Preparing for summer

Editor’s note: The following is part of a series of stories on often overlooked departments within the city, county, schools and other organizations.

STAFF WRITER

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Martin Mendoza, who has worked for the maintenance department for the city of Portales for 25 years, knows the work he’s doing this time of year is for a good cause.

“It makes us feel good knowing we’re fixing up the parks and facilities to make sure kids enjoy themselves outdoors,” Mendoza said.

The staff is hard at work this time of year installing new playground equipment and lighting, making improvements to the pool and other odd jobs to get the local parks and facilities ready for the summer.

In his more than two decades with the city of Portales, Mendoza has seen a lot of positive changes, including the amount of facilities that children and adults can use, but he’s seen some negative too.

“There’s a lot more vandalism than there used to be,” Mendoza said. “People don’t respect and take care of the equipment like they used to.”

On Wednesday, the maintenance staff was out in full force. At La Buena Vida Park on East Railroad Street, workers were straightening the poles that act as a barrier between the park and the street.

On the other side of town, Tijerina Gustavo was painting dividers for the bathroom stalls at the pool.

Gustavo said the fun in working in maintenance is doing something different everyday.

“Everyday is a different story,” said Gustavo, who has been with the city for six years. “I really enjoy it; everyday there’s something new to do. You just go with the crew and work.”

Eric Juniel has been with the department for three months but has taken a liking to his job.

“It’s a very interesting job,” Juniel said. “It was a learning experience, because it’s something different, but I like it.”