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Staff Profile

Staff Profile: John Bello

January 16, 2025

We’re introducing a new series of profiles that spotlights our team – the people who show up every day to make Brooklyn Bridge Park the special place that it is. 

John Bello joined our operations crew just over a year ago through our partnership with the Doe Fund. From the moment he arrived, he has gone above and beyond to ensure every visitor experiences the park at its best. We asked him some questions about working in the Park. Here’s what he said: 

Q: What brought you to work here, and what keeps you motivated in your role?

A: I was part of a program with the Doe Fund, where I worked in different areas around the city. My first stop was Midtown, and I must’ve made an impression because I got offered a supervisor position right away. I turned it down, though, because I didn’t want that yet. A few days later, they sent me to this park, and I loved it from the moment I stepped in. It wasn’t even fully green yet—it was still early spring—but I couldn’t stop working, picking up leaves and cleaning. The staff noticed, and they offered me a job.

I’ve been here ever since, and I love it just as much now as I did on day one. The thing is, I can’t help myself—I’m here for eight hours, and I end up walking six to eight miles because I’m always moving. Some people get a job and relax. That’s just not me. I take pride in what I do because this park feels like home.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work here at the park?

A: For me, it’s seeing the appreciation on people’s faces. When visitors come into a clean park, they know they’re in good hands. They trust us to keep this space nice and safe. I’ve had people thank me while I’m working and it’s a great feeling. But honestly, I don’t do it for the recognition. I’m 55 years old, and I’ve been through a lot in life. This park gives me peace and purpose. It’s not just work—it keeps me young. I see it as giving people a place where they can enjoy their day without a care in the world, even if it’s just for a moment.

Q: You mentioned the peace and tranquility of the park. What makes this place so special to you?

A: It’s the way this park brings people together, especially the elderly couples I see walking hand in hand. It’s beautiful to watch. That’s something I want for myself when I get to that age—to walk through a park like this, just taking in the greenery, the fresh air, and the peace.

 I work from 3:30 p.m. to midnight, so I get to see the park go through all these transitions. Watching the sunset over the skyline or sitting on a clean bench during my break—it’s something you can’t experience anywhere else. There’s a sense of calm here that I can’t explain, but I feel lucky to be part of it.

Q: What’s the hardest part of your job?

A: Honestly, the hardest part is not being here. Going home feels like I’m leaving something behind. When I’m here, I get to see the city settle down for the day. I get to watch the sun go down, and I can’t experience that from my apartment.

There’s something about the way the sky changes colors and the park becomes quieter that’s special. In the summer, it can get a little crazy with the crowds, but during those peaceful moments, I realize just how lucky I am to work here. It’s a feeling I wish more people could experience.

Q: Is there anything you’d want visitors to know about you and your team?

A: When I talk about myself, I always include my team. The custodians here are dedicated, and I want visitors to know they can depend on us to keep this park clean and safe. We might not be perfect, but we do everything we can to make sure people have a good experience. We take pride in our work. When people are in this park, they should feel like all is good in the world for that moment.

20,000

participated in environmental education programs

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365

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3,000

Trees in the park

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