Steve Frisby is set to semi-retire and take up a part-time position after 42 years of working with South Kesteven District Council.

Steve started out as an apprentice at 16 years old in May 1979, and his career progressed over the years until he landed his dream job as Parks Manager looking after the Wyndham, Queen Elizabeth and Dysart parks in Grantham.

He retired from the role of manager on 30 May, but will stay with the council in the part-time role of Parks Project Officer.

He said: "I leave my position as Parks Manager in the knowledge that the parks are in good hands.

"I feel very fortunate to have played an important part in securing the future of our parks for future generations to enjoy."

Steve's career

Steve was inspired at a young age by his father's love of gardening, together with his grandfather's career in horticulture - he even worked for Lord Brownlow at Belton House.

Steve secured an apprenticeship with the council, then studied Amenity Horticulture at Riseholme College, and was promoted in 1985 to Assistant Client Services Officer, a role with responsibility for grounds maintenance.

He later achieved further qualifications in construction and in 1997 became Amenities Manager.

In 2006, he moved to Housing Services to manage its grounds maintenance services before returning to Amenities four years later to develop a bid for Green Flag status for Wyndham Park.

Steve continued: "I've had the good fortune to experience a rich and varied career with SKDC.

"I would say, however, that my role as Parks Manager, which I took on in 2018, has arguably been the most fulfilling."

"As well as realising my ambition, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of ensuring that our parks are in better condition than when I started."

Green flag status

Steve counts Wyndham Park achieving Green Flag status in 2012 as among his highlights - and the park has retained that status ever since.

The council is now hoping to achieve Green Flag status for the Queen Elizabeth and Dysart parks too.

Steve was also involved in the development of the Wyndham Park Forum, Dysart Park Action Group and Friends of Queen Elizabeth Park, ensuring a high level of community involvement in how the parks are run.

He also managed to secure £1million in a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid, paving the way for a 2018 project to restore Wyndham Park to its original Grantham's World War One Memorial Park status.

Steve continued: "Naturally, the development of the parks could not have been achieved without the support of the Council, colleagues and volunteers.

"We have come a long way and I cannot believe where the time has gone, but I am now looking forward to working part-time on more park-based improvements - and also spending more time with friends and family."

The Chairman of South Kesteven District Council, Cllr Breda-Rae Griffin, said of Steve: "More than 40 years' service is a great achievement and the huge improvement made to our parks over that time is testament to Steve's passion and dedication."