By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

Do you ever wonder whose responsibility it is to keep up our numerous parks?

Mowing, grading, lining, fence repair, ordering necessary supplies and maintaining an inventory, maintaining play areas, rest rooms and picnic areas, trimming, repairs and a dozen other responsibilities come to mind.

Tim Hamm, a native of Florence, who played baseball at Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn., and graduated from the University of North Alabama in 2000 is the man in charge for the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Board.

An employee of the Park and Recreation Board since 2005, Hamm was hired as an on-site director, moved up to athletic programmer and has been the parks director since 2012.

Hamm enjoys golfing (you can probably find him at Timberline), fresh water fishing, family camping and following Auburn football. His dream trip is a cross-country family camping trip.

Married to Laura Laminack Hamm, a physical education teacher at Creek View Elementary, they are parents to Josie Claire, age 5, and Lynleigh Diane, age 11 months.

“The best thing about my job” said Hamm “is interacting with so many different people. Our work allows citizens to have activities that are both safe and fun for the whole family.”

Sponsoring and overseeing activities such as Fall Fest and Movies in the Park are in addition to the nearly yearlong sports calendar.

Being from a large family himself, Hamm understands the needs of the people. He has three sisters, Julie, Candi and Kristi and a brother Jeff. His best childhood memories include working with his dad in the cotton fields and of course all the squabbles with siblings.

Hamm’s goals include continuing to provide new and diverse activities to the citizens of Alabaster and of course make all our parks fun and safe for the children of Alabaster.