After serving over two decades on the Hammond police force, when the time came to retire, Tracy Betustak knew she wasn’t done doing good work for her community. A lover of parks and the city of Valparaiso, Betustak jumped at the opportunity to join the Valparaiso Parks Department team.
“A part-time position opened up in customer service for the parks,” said Betustak. “I quickly decided it would be a good time to retire from the police force, and in March of 2022, I was hired part-time.”
Working for the Valparaiso Parks Department allows Betustak to help people celebrate the moments, big and small, as well as see the beauty in the community.
“I’m excited to continue making Valpo amazing,” said Betustak. “The Parks Department enjoys doing our part to keep this community a great place to be.”
Quickly after starting part-time, Betustak grew to love working for the Valparaiso Parks Department and shifted from part-time work to joining the team full-time.
“A few months after starting, I was offered a full-time position in customer service,” said Betustak.
Always looking for a challenge, Betustak recently expanded her role within the department to an administrative assistant to Kevin Nuppnau, director of Parks & Recreation.
“I started this position in July of 2023,” said Betustak. “I work well with Kevin and love a challenge and learning new things. I was definitely on board and gladly accepted.”
For Betustak, her work at the Valparaiso Parks Department allows her to be involved in people’s good days and work in a positive environment.
“Everybody here is self-motivated,” said Betustak. “People here are constantly researching and just raising their standards. It's so refreshing to work with these people and to do this work.”
A longtime Region resident, Betustak and her family moved to Valparaiso within the last few years.
In the past, Betustak and her family would come to Valpo for restaurants or events. It was through these trips that Betustak decided to make Valparaiso her permanent home.
“We always really liked the town, and so when it came time for us to move, we built a house in Valpo six years ago,” said Betustak. “This is where I wanted to be. I just love the city.”
Although Valparaiso has over 700 acres of park land, Betustak has her favorite.
“Creekside Park has a golf course, but you can go hike or bike on the trails,” Betustak said. “Right now you can even go snowshoeing. It's beautiful.”
Betustak is looking forward to supporting the entire Parks Department team this year and beyond.
“This job gives me the opportunity to meet so many people in the city, with the Foundation Board, and city employees,” said Betustak. “I can’t wait to see what we all do. They’re all people, like me, who have a passion for and love this city.”
Soon to be an empty-nester, Betustak sees more and more behind-the-scenes work in her future.
“For me, it’s about being in the background and being part of doing things for other people,” said Betustak. “I even hope to start volunteering more.”
When she’s not supporting the Valparaiso Parks Department, Betustak likes going to church, hiking, working out, and being in nature.
To learn more about the Valparaiso Parks Department, please visit valpoparks.org.