Dennis Monte, Parks and Grounds Manager, joined the Bergen County Department of Parks in 1975. Throughout his extensive 45 year career, he has worked his way up from part-time gardener to overseeing the maintenance of several parks in Southern Bergen County.
In honor of Parks and Recreation month, we talked with Dennis about his experience working for #OurBergenCountyParks, the evolution of the Park’s Department, and more.
Freeholder Steve Tanelli: How did you get started with the Bergen County Parks Department?
Dennis Monte: Following high school, I went to trade school. After graduating from trade school, I found out that there was a one year wait period to get a job in the trade that I had learned, so I started to search for an interim job. I was passionate about gardening and flowers, so I searched the classifieds to see if there were any jobs that involved gardening. I found one and it was a part-time gardener position with the Parks Department. Although, at the time it was called the Parks Commission and run by a Parks Commission Board of 10 to 12 individuals. All of this was prior to the reorganization of the County government that took place in 1986.
Soon a year went by and rather than switch to my studied trade, I decided to stay onboard after being promoted to a full-time gardener. A few years later, I found myself promoted to maintenance repairman.
What type of changes have you seen over the course of your 45 year career?
The biggest change that occurred during my career was the reorganization of the Parks Department following the change to the County Executive form of government in 1986. It increased the professionalization of the Parks Department and brought additional resources. Prior to this change, there were only 2 or 3 individuals assigned to oversee the grounds of all the county parks in Southern Bergen. This nearly tripled by the early 1990s and has continued to grow as open space and parks have become more important.
The increase in funding also led to a large expansion and capital improvement projects to parks and public spaces. Many of the parks received an overhaul ranging from the addition of benches, the increase of public art, and more playgrounds. This coincided with more people using the parks, especially as the southern portion of Bergen County became more culturally diverse.
As a Parks and Ground Manager, what do you do on a daily basis and what do you most enjoy about your role?
In my role, I oversee a staff of 7 gardeners and groundsmen that take care of 6 county parks stretching from North Arlington to Elmwood Park. On a day to day basis, I am assigning personnel, equipment, and creating the daily schedule to ensure that our parks look beautiful for all the residents of Bergen County.
As a lover of flowers and plants, I really enjoy being able to utilize them for the purpose of beautification. I want residents and visitors to be wowed when they come to our county parks. Public parks and spaces have always been important, but even more so now with the pandemic. For many, our parks have become their only source of socialization and relaxation.
Outside of work, do you have any hobbies or interests?
Throughout my entire life, I have been a musician. I cannot think of a time that I was not part of a rock and roll band. I started off with the guitar, but I now can play the drums and piano as well. I am grateful to have a job that allows me to play music during my time off.
As we wrap things up, what do you see in your future?
It is funny because after 45 years, many people ask me if I have any plans to retire, but I absolutely love my job. I look forward to every day that I get to interact with my staff to make our parks a better place for the families of Bergen County.
I am very excited about the prospect of being a part of the Parks Department future.
