FOLLOWING UP ON THE POWER OUTAGE
February 9, 2025, 1:35 AM
OREGON PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT · LETTER SENT
Oregon Parks & Recreation Department · To [Park Supervisor]
The follow-up to the park supervisor after the H Loop power outage exchange. The origin event.
From
Robert Samuel White
To
[Park Supervisor]
Date
February 9, 2025, 1:35 AM PT
Subject
Following Up on the Power Outage
Document
01JKMXJCF8D4M3JQHEH9G94SBP
Hi [Park Supervisor], I wanted to follow up on our exchange about the H Loop power outage. When I choose my sites as a volunteer host, I'm always conscious of what each position means for guest interaction. Being across from the gate means being a natural point of contact, especially during overnight issues. I'm a systems thinker by nature and profession. When I reached out at 6 AM, after interacting with concerned guests since 3 AM, I was seeking to understand how to best serve within this system. Having clear protocols helps me provide better service, especially during situations like yesterday's water outage where guests became agitated. I hesitated to contact you at that hour because I wasn’t sure if other volunteers had already done so or if that was the correct protocol. And when I did reach out, the response I received made me feel small—like my concern wasn’t valid, when in reality, I was simply trying to do my job well. That hesitation is something I shouldn’t have to feel when I’m only seeking to be as effective as possible in a role that ultimately serves both guests and the park. I’m still seeking clarity on: 1. Who to contact during off-hours utility issues 2. How status updates are communicated so that volunteers and staff can access the same information 3. What specific details I should provide to guests to ensure they feel informed I choose to be here because I care about making these parks work well for everyone. I want to be a valuable resource, but I also need to know my role is respected. Having clearer guidance on these points would help me serve both guests and staff more effectively. Additionally, I see an opportunity to improve how real-time updates are shared across teams. If there’s interest, I’d be happy to discuss a simple system for tracking and communicating outages, reducing redundant contacts while keeping everyone better informed. Best, Sam