Madison: Meet 2026 Women in Construction Week Profile: Shelley Johnson
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~ Madison Parks Division Leadworker Reflects on 36 Years of Service

Shelley Johnson, the Parks Division Leadworker for the City of Madison, knows a thing or two about hard work. As Coach Jimmy Dugan famously said in the movie "A League of Their Own," "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it." But for Johnson, the hard work has been rewarding.

With approximately 90 parks under her supervision, Johnson has been making sure they are ready for public use in some form for an impressive 36 years. She started her career with the City right out of high school in 1982 and has been dedicated to maintaining and improving the parks ever since.

Johnson's job is a diverse one, as it changes with each season. She and her team are responsible for tasks such as removing barrels, setting up picnic tables, planting trees, taking down hockey boards and ice rinks, and preparing restrooms for public use. They also check and maintain equipment such as basketball nets, tennis nets, and volleyball nets to ensure that everything is in top condition for park visitors.

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But Johnson's journey with the City began at Olbrich Gardens from 1982-1989 before she became a full-time maintenance worker for east side parks. She then moved on to Warner Park where she was responsible for ice work, winter duties, snow plowing, shoveling and eventually was promoted to take care of softball diamonds at Sycamore Park.

One of her most memorable experiences was working alongside her coworker to maintain 14 softball diamonds a day and seven soccer fields a week. This task taught her valuable lessons about perfectionism and taking pride in her work thanks to her boss Kenny Smith who was known for his high standards.

Johnson also spent five years mowing lawns which she considers one of the best jobs in the City. She enjoyed the solitude and the opportunity to listen to music while admiring the parks after a job well done.

Throughout her time at the City, Johnson has also experienced different seasons of life, including motherhood. She had her first daughter in 1991 while working on soccer fields and softball diamonds. Her water broke at work and she was quickly rushed to the hospital by her coworkers. Five years later, she had her second daughter and continued working until her due date.

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Both of Johnson's daughters are proud of their mother's dedication to her job and appreciate the hard work she has put into maintaining the parks for nearly four decades.

As a Leadworker, Johnson now helps others grow through their own seasons of life. She values the friendships she has made with her coworkers over the years and considers them like family.

Despite the challenges that come with working in a male-dominated field, Johnson has always enjoyed what she does. She believes that everyone who works in this field must have a passion for it, otherwise they wouldn't be out there doing it.

Looking back on her 36 years with the City, Johnson can confidently say that all the hard work was worth it. She takes pride in what she has accomplished and is grateful for the friendships and memories she has made along the way.

To learn more about Shelley Johnson's journey with Madison Parks, check out the video highlight on the City's social media platforms.

Filed Under: Government, City
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