In 2022, Geauga Park District’s Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park in Chester Township reaped the benefits of a construction project that made improvements to its trail system and replaced an outdated playground with an updated, nature-based one.
In 2022, Geauga Park District’s Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park in Chester Township reaped the benefits of a construction project that made improvements to its trail system and replaced an outdated playground with an updated, nature-based one.
Large cement drainpipes were placed for tunnels and the planning department asked if Vicky Liptak, the park’s graphic designer, could come up with some simple shapes to paint on them and make them more fun for children.
“What better inspiration than nature in a park,” Liptak said —her recently-completed project following some beautiful autumn days.
Liptak went with GPD planning department’s direction of simple shapes and created common habitats found in all the parks woodland, wetland and meadow.
Playground features include a slide, small hills to climb, a rock-climbing/rope-climbing feature, toddler swing, wooden play hut, log-climbing, the newly-painted concrete tunnels, a play deck and sand pit with a digger tool.
“The shapes are nature-inspired wildlife and are big and easily recognizable,” she said.
As she painted, many passers-by commented on how nice the graphics looked.
“Children like touching all the shapes and are excited and happy to see some fun colors when they arrive,” Liptak said, with a big smile.
Liptak is responsible for designing all GPD’s visual marketing communications, including advertisements, maps, brochures, interpretive signage, logos and promotional materials for events and programs.
She also designs the Park Explorer Activity Guide seasonal mailing and coordinates with Sandy Ward, marketing coordinator for content and writing.
“Our small, two-person marketing department works as quite an efficient team,” Ward said. “Everyone who works with Vicky knows she’s a hidden gem. She operates entirely behind the scenes, lending her immense creativity to help the parks shine every day of the week. To know her personally is to know that her own passion for nature is reflected in her work. Among Vicky’s many strengths is her ability to graphically represent Geauga Park District as the most engaging, accessible system of parks, trails and services that it is.”
Liptak knew from a young age she wanted to make a career of art.
She grew up in eastern Cuyahoga County and moved to Chester Township 20 years ago.
“We made Geauga County our home and love living where we do,” Liptak said.
She attended Ashland University and spent three academic quarters as part of AU’s art program at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
“I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in commercial art with a minor in marketing and worked for two private companies during the first 15 years of my career, and then the opportunity at the park district became available,” She said. “I was very happy to begin working for the park district, where I have been now for 15 years. I can do what I love to help market an organization with such a wonderful mission.”
Liptak and her husband enjoy walking in the parks and more recently, fell in love with kayaking.
“The parks provide great opportunities for us to do those things,” she said. “All the parks are wonderful, each with its own personality, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be Big Creek Park. The trail system is amazing and walking among those tall trees in any season is truly uplifting.”
Liptak paused to dip her paint brush into a nearby can, as more park visitors commented on her work, which adds a spark of brightness to the playground.
“People who love their parks can feel a sense of pride and ownership when they see her work and people who don’t know what the parks may have to offer them are often quickly interested to find out,” Ward said.
Liptak said the most enjoyable part of her job is getting to be creative on a daily basis, and with this specific project, she’s able to soak in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors while creating.
“I enjoy coming up with concepts and visuals to show people how great our parks are and why everyone should be visiting them,” Liptak said. “It would be difficult not to love a job where you are promoting such a wonderful thing.”
Ward inviting anyone to page through the Park Explorer Activity Guide each season to witness Liptak’s talent.
“As a taxpayer myself, I feel fortunate to have Vicky representing everything the parks have to offer everyone in the county,” Ward said.
The Park Explorer’s winter edition, which includes all programs and events for January through March 2024, will be mailed out the first week in December. Registration for programs opens Dec. 20 for Geauga County residents.
