A City of Crown Point Employee Spotlight: Jennie Burgess

When people love the area they live in, it’s easy to want to contribute to its growth and progress. While some contribute occasionally as donors or volunteers, other lucky individuals have made a career out of that feel-good feeling that comes with making their home a better place! As Parks Administrator for the City of Crown Point, Jennie Burgess gets to live that reality every day, and has been for the past 19 years.

“I absolutely love my job,” Burgess said. “There’s no typical day here, and something different is always going on. I just go with the flow of the day and tackle whatever has to be done.”

Burgess’s love for the Crown Point community began in her college days, when she spent time with the Parks Department as a seasonal worker.

“I really enjoyed what I was doing,” Burgess said. “I had the opportunity to transition to a full-time position the semester before graduation, and sort of worked my way up from there.”

Burgess has met and worked with countless inspiring individuals over the years, making it difficult for her to pinpoint just one influential mentor in her life.

“So many different people and things have led me to where I am today,” Burgess said. “I’ve learned from everyone and everything that I’ve experienced; I absolutely believe everything happens for a reason, and it all comes together in the end.”

Burgess enjoys her job immensely, but also recognizes the importance of it, embracing the impact she can have on the lives of local residents.

“I think people really appreciate their quality of life here in Crown Point,” Burgess said. “Whether it’s our sports leagues, our parks, or our community events, like canvas and cupcake, we really do have something for everyone to come out and get involved in. Being a part of creating that environment for people is what I really love about what I do.”

Burgess aims to create a holistic living experience for Crown Point residents, and encourages even those who don’t live in the area to come enjoy everything the city has to offer.

“People choose Crown Point because we really have a myriad of activities and experiences,” Burgess said. “Whether you’re walking downtown for dinner, super-fanning our sports competitions, or attending events at Bull Dog Park, the entire community welcomes you in, whether you’re a resident here or not.”

Though it’s tough to narrow it down to just one aspect, Burgess said her favorite part of the job is the people she interacts with.

“I’ve come across people not just from all over the region, but from across the country and even Canada,” Burgess said. “I love that we’ve established the type of environment here that just welcomes all of them in and shares all the things we’re able to provide and do.”

Every day may bring something different, but Burgess approaches each project with the same incredible work ethic, giving all her efforts to serving the people of Crown Point as best she can.

“I always say if I’m gonna do something I’m not gonna just do it to get by,” Burgess said. “I do whatever it is 100 percent, but when you love what you do, that comes easily!”

“I am so fortunate to really do what I love and have the opportunity to provide people with a good quality of life,” Burgess continued. “I hope to see continued success for the city, to keep doing the right thing and make great things happen for the people who live here.”