April Fool’s Day is always a day packed with playful pranks and witty jokes. One event from this past April Fool’s Day is no joke, though; Gail Buffington has officially retired from Archusa Creek Water Park.
For years, people have enjoyed seeing Gail’s smiling face when they visit Archusa Creek Water Park. She has been at the park since 1992, and she has done a little of everything over the years.
“I started here in 1992. Mr. Fred Adcock hired me,” stated Gail. “I worked part time in the office and was housekeeper. I’ve cut grass and wrapped pipes in cold weather. I’ve cleaned the cabins. I’ve picked up sticks. I’ve done a little of everything. I don’t even know how many years I’ve officially been up in the office. I’ve had 30 years altogether. I started here in February 1992. I was here for 29 years on the eleventh of February, but after that twenty-ninth year, I fit into the 30 year category. I’ve been here long enough to get the 30 years.”
Although she has enjoyed her time working for the park and everybody she has been able to meet along the way, family events over the last few months have helped bring her to the decision that it is time to go on home.
“I’ve been at my mom’s since October. She had an accident and fell and broke the femur in her left leg. She was in the hospital for two weeks with surgery and then came to Quitman for swing bed for over a month. After that time when she went home, I took a month’s leave to take care of her and my dad,” explained Gail. “They were both on walkers. My dad was 87, and my mom was 85 at the time. She’s had to relearn to walk and everything. I’ve been staying with her, and since my dad recently passed away and my mom has dementia, I just feel like it’s time for me to retire. Trying to work and trying to help with them has made me tired. I’m ready to go home now.”
She loves each of her coworkers and enjoyed being able to help and interact with the different campers and visitors who have come to the park over the years. Her dedication and hard work have definitely not gone unnoticed, and she has received various awards throughout the years.
She has received plaques for 12 years of service, 20 years of service, 25 years of service, and now 30 years of service. On September 16, 2013, she was also given a certificate of appreciation for dedication and service and going above and beyond the call of duty.
Along with the traditional awards for her dedication over the years, Gail has also been featured in a magazine article about Archusa.
“I had to do an interview with 411 magazine,” said Gail. “They wanted to do an article on Archusa, and they chose to interview me to tell them about the park. They took a picture of me and everything.”
Although she will be greatly missed by everyone who frequents Archusa, Gail will now be able to spend more precious time with family. She still plans to come visit the park every now and then.
