During the Seymour Board of Public Works and Safety meeting Thursday morning at city hall, Tracey Cole was pleasantly surprised as her family entered the room to watch her receive the Superstar of the Quarter award.
In 2020, the Seymour Parks and Recreation Department board implemented an Employee of the Quarter program as a way to recognize park professionals who go above and beyond.
Cole was nominated by her co-workers for her organization, attention to detail and overall positive attitude.
“Since her employment July 25 of 2022, she has taken the department to the next level with her positive energy,” Parks Director Stacy Findley said.
“Tracey Cole has been an excellent addition to the parks and recreation team and knew when we interviewed her that she would be a great fit,” park board member Kendra Zumhingst said.
Cole said it was an honor to receive such an award, as she has been raised to hold a strong work ethic and to always do her best.
“For someone to see that in me and recognize my work ethic is life-affirming,” she said.
Cole, 43, graduated from Seymour High School in 1997. She has two daughters, Emmalynne Lopez and Alexia Rieckers, as well as a young granddaughter, Evalynne Lopez, who she adores.
Cole said she ultimately loves cheering on her loved ones as they grow in their paths of life along with her better half, Edward Brennen.
Cole decided to work for the parks and recreation department because she was looking for a change in her life. Before joining the staff as an administrative assistant, she had been in the same career for 17 years.
She said when the opportunity came up for the position, she couldn’t wait to apply.
“I received the post for the position from a lifelong friend with a message that read ‘This is all you girl. You live at the parks,’ which is a true statement,” she said. “I have probably spent more hours at the parks than I have at home.”
As an administrative assistant, Cole’s duties include gathering the meeting minutes, creating agendas, assisting with planning events, registering individuals for events and programs and preparing finances for the department.
Zumhingst said Cole has brought modernization to make the board more environmentally friendly, streamlined processes and improved accuracy of information and reporting.
“There are many things I enjoy about my job,” Cole said. “I love the people, the environment, watching children get excited at the events and most of all being a part of the parks development.”
Cole said watching the growth of Seymour’s parks has been a blessing for her, and giving the future generations more opportunities makes her heart filled with happiness.
A goal of Cole is to learn Spanish and eventually be fluent in the language, as she believes it would benefit not only her personal life but her position with the parks and recreation department, which wouldn’t be possible without her two biggest inspirations, her daughters.
“We look forward to the great things that she will continue to help the department with,” Zumhingst said.