TRURO - Every day Boyd Parsons gets to work in one of Truro's most popular places.
The town resident has been mowing the grass and maintaining Victoria Park and its various amenities for 40 years.
"It's been a long stretch and I still enjoy it," he told the Truro Daily News on Wednesday as he cleaned the swimming pool at the park.
He considers himself lucky to be able to work outside in the fresh air and meet some of the thousands of tourists who visit the park annually.
"You meet some very nice people from across the country," he said. "If you're going to meet people that's travelling, this is the place."
Parsons is one of the town's front-line workers who sees the crowds of tourists who come to town to visit its crown jewel.
"They say it's one of the beautifulest parks they've ever been in and they compliment us on how it's maintained," a proud Parsons said. "It shows your work is appreciated."
Parsons enthusiasm for the job is valued by the town.
"He has a love for the park and a passion to maintain, particularly the lower park and the pool, in immaculate shape," said Doug MacKenzie, the town's director of parks, recreation and culture.
"It's a pleasure when you have somebody who is good at what they do and enjoys what they do to have them on staff."
Parsons grew up in Salmon River and worked a few different jobs before applying for a position with the parks department when he was 20 years old. The thought of working for the town for four decades was not on his radar back then.
"No, not at the time, I didn't think I'd be here 40 years later," he said. "They were 40 good years and I can't complain about a thing."
He has also witnessed the park change during his time there. One of the major things was when camping was allowed in the lower part of the park. There were motorhome hook ups and tenting was allowed near the parking lot and bandshell area.
"There's been so many changes in the 40 years that I've been here," he said.
Another came when hurricane Juan blew threw central Nova Scotia in September 2003, leaving a path of destruction that is evident today.
"It was sickening to see the mess we saw," Parsons said, remembering coming into the park the next morning.
He recalls the heavy shade that used to be provided near Jacob's ladder but some was lost due to the many large trees that were felled during the storm.
"They were just laying like bowling pins," he said.
Parsons said he will continue working at the park and is taking it year by year.
jmalloy@trurodaily.com
