Walk in the Park - August 2022

AUGUST 2022

Hello everyone,

As you've likely seen through various outlets, my name is Justin Pelis and I am in my first full month as Acting Executive Director at Look Memorial Park. Many of you already know me, but I've been at the park for several years as the Director of Facilities and Maintenance and active with my work in the community. As much as I appreciate this park with its beautiful, sprawling grounds, it's the people - the faces, the smiles, the laughs, and the memories being created - that make it enjoyable to come to work everyday.

When I was a young boy, my grandfather and I visited the park a few times a

week. The special bond I formed with my grandfather during those visits reinforced my love and appreciation for the park. As Executive Director, I know I have an important role to ensure the park continues to provide a valued experience and create long-lasting memories to families and the community throughout. I'm excited to begin this journey with all of you, and I am thankful for your support.

We have a lot of exciting announcements over the next month, including the return of one of our most popular holiday traditions, the release of our important Fall fundraising appeal, along with a few more warm days as the Summer winds down.

Check out some of the announcements below and stay up-to-date by following our social media pages for important info. I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions.

I'll see you in the park!

Justin M. Pelis

Executive Director

Pelis named Acting Executive Director of Look Park

Director of Facilities and Grounds Justin Pelis has been appointed Acting Executive Director of Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park, replacing Jilian Larkin. Jill stepped down on July 29th to pursue other opportunities. Pelis, a long-time Northampton resident, joined the Park in 2018 as Director of Facilities and Maintenance.

According to Board of Trustees Chairperson Dr. Sharianne Walker, the Board was saddened to lose such a dedicated and valuable executive director in Larkin. Larkin has been with the Park for over eighteen years, first as Garden House Manager and for the last three years as Executive Director. According to Walker, Larkin will stay with the Park in a part-time capacity for several weeks to assure a smooth transition in leadership.

“We are delighted to have such a talented Park and Recreational professional in-house who has enthusiastically agreed to step in as Acting Executive Director as the Board begins the process of a national search to fill the Director’s position,” said Walker.

Pelis has extensive leadership and managerial experience as a business owner, a department director at the Park, and in the community in various service roles, including Treasurer of the Board of Directors at Stavros Center for Independent Living (Amherst) and the Northampton St. Patrick’s Day Committee. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Springfield Technical Community College in Landscape Design & Management Technology and an instructor in the recently established landscape skills training class for the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office.

Pelis also holds degrees in finance and landscape construction/horticulture from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The Board plans to launch its search for a permanent Executive Director in the fall.

Steamer Train is Officially Open!

This past month we announced that THE TRAIN IS BACK!

The Steamer Train is open for rides with the following weekly hours.

Friday - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sat & Sun - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Rides are $4, children 2 and under are FREE. We can't wait to see you at Look Park!

LAST CALL: Low Income Pass Program

We will be wrapping up our Low Income Pass Program over the coming month, so please consider donating if you can!

THANK YOU to the generous individuals and businesses who have already helped make our park as inclusive as possible for our community.

If you haven't donated a pass yet, visit the link below for more.

Low-Income Pass Program

Stay Up-to-Date on Everything Look Park!

Our park is now open every day from 7:00 a.m. until sunset, with a ranger on staff. Make sure you stay up-to-date on park information and update by following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Join Justin for his first morning "Walk with the Director"

Friday, September 2 at 8:00 p.m.

Join Executive Director Justin Pelis for a morning walk to talk about the park and offer any thoughts! Light refreshments will be served.

Meet outside of the Visitors Center on

Friday, September 2 at 8:00 p.m. to join!

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Look Memorial Park is a privately run, nonprofit park. We rely on admission and event fees as well as donations from our friends and business partners to maintain our beautiful, safe grounds.

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