Jefferson County’s Parks and Recreation Department paid tribute to the many volunteers who make its programs and services possible with a community cook-out at H.J. Carroll Park Sept. 18.

Parks and Rec Manager Matt Tyler credited volunteers with working 4,500 hours over the course of the past year, although he conceded that a number of volunteers work their hours without bothering to turn their paperwork in, so the actual number of hours is likely even higher.

“A lot of our volunteer work has been shifted away from day-to-day maintenance, because after the recession, we were able to restore a number of those laid-off positions,” Tyler said. “This allows the volunteers to focus on specific projects.”

Tyler pointed to trail development as one area where volunteers have made a significant difference, with volunteers creating 4.5 miles of new trails at Gibbs Lake Park over the past three years.

“And Anderson Lake too,” County Sheriff Joe Nole added.

The single-track trails are intended for hikers, bicycle riders and horses, with the Quimper Trails Association and the Buck Horne Range Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen both contributing to the trails’ growth.

Tyler likewise thanked Parks and Rec’s all-volunteer lineup of more than 40 coaches, who make it possible for players of all ages to enjoy sports such as soccer.

And while Doug Huber, Jim Stark and Suzy Learned have made impressive strides in restoring the habitat of Irondale Beach Park, Tyler spoke of the need to allow those volunteers to “pass the baton” to new volunteers.

Tyler would welcome volunteers who understand the habitat issues endemic to Irondale Beach, as well as those who grasp its historic context, since the iron and steel mill is a national historic site. “There’s not too many ruins left in America” Tyler said, hastening to add that Parks and Rec can fulfill just about any interest for its prospective volunteers, including working on policies as a member of its advisory board.

Bob Hoyle, work projects coordinator for the local chapter of the Back Country Horsemen, expressed pride in the trail-building his group was able to do around Gibbs Lake, including a puncheon bridge over a seasonal outflow from Beausite Lake.

Hoyle and his fellow Back Country Horsemen had to move their construction materials a quarter of a mile by the sweat of their brows, with a subset of older women volunteers who identified themselves as “the Can-Do Crone Crew.”

As much as the completed projects themselves, Hoyle cherishes the relationships his group has developed with other volunteers, including area mountain biking associations.

“There have been times in the past when we haven’t seen eye-to-eye, but we have common interests in keeping these trail systems open,” Hoyle said.

While the rest of the cook-out’s attendees chatted, Parks and Rec Board member Marianna Walters collected the burgers that her husband Paul had cooked on the grill.

“We were born and raised here, and we’ve seen the changes since,” Paul Walters said.

“That’s why we both volunteer,” Marianne Walters said. “We come from Lower Oak Bay, and we remember when its park was vibrant. Through the work we’re doing, we hope to see it reopen.”

County Commissioner Greg Brotherton echoed Tyler and Nole’s appreciation for the volunteers.

“The work of the county takes many hands,” Brotherton said. “Our volunteers are a huge part of our support structure.”