Marla Connelly is a park manager for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Submitted photo

Marla Connelly, park manager for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation within Chautauqua County, has always had an interest in the outdoors and recreation.

Originally from Michigan, Connelly graduated from the University of Montana with two degrees — one in recreation management and another in natural resources. She then received her master’s degree in business administration from Columbia College.

Connelly has worked across the country in states such as Montana, California, Washington, Michigan, Connecticut and New York.

“I have worked in many different areas around the country for several different entities including several YMCAs, a county, and NY State Parks — the last nine years right here,” Connelly said.

In her role as a park manager, Connelly said her job allows her to do a little bit of everything with state parks.

“Formally, I am responsible for the operations of all of the state park properties within Chautauqua County,” Connelly said. “(This ranges) from staffing and budgeting to promotion and marketing to planning capital projects and implementing improvements in the parks.

“Some days I’m dry in front of a computer; other days I’m in the weather, boots on the ground.”

The interest for Connelly in being a park manager came from her interest in the outdoors.

“I liked participating in outdoor activities — make your job something you love, right?” Connelly said.

Connelly’s job always remains interesting for her. No two days are ever the same.

There’s something new or interesting happening at every park she manages. These parks include the Barcelona Lighthouse in Westfield; Midway State Park in Maple Springs; Lake Erie State Park in Brocton; Long Point State Park in the town of Ellery; and Sunset Bay State Marine Park on Cattaraugus Creek.

Connelly continues to work to maintain the parks because of her love for the community.

“I love my parks and the community they are in, and that I can physically see progress and improvements being made,” Connelly said.