Candee Ploog, Child Care Specialist, Park Board staff since 1975
Candee Ploog has been a Minneapolis resident her entire life and grew up in Kenny Park. At the time, her family was the only Japanese family living in the neighborhood and at her school. She played baseball, took baton lessons, celebrated the Japanese O Bon festival at Minnehaha Park, and spent much of her childhood walking to Minneapolis parks while her grandfather documented with photographs. Candee started as a front desk staff at Logan Park in May of 1975. Since then, she has continued to work for Minneapolis parks and was one of the first staff to become a Childcare Specialist when Rec Plus was founded. Candee has worked with Rec Plus for over 28 years and is currently at Windom NE.
“When I was doing Rec Plus at Van Cleve Park, we had so many children from different countries. I had to learn words in other languages. Not knowing what their experiences were was so interesting, and I think that’s where I picked up liking kids with different behavioral challenges. My favorite part is being with the kids and trying so hard to make each child successful. That’s my passion. I didn’t realize that was my calling.”
Candee at baton lessons
Candee’s historic family photos, taken by her grandfather
The Buggy Parade in Kenny Park neighborhood
Candee wore a dress made from her mother’s wedding dress.
Candee Loring Park 2 yo
Candee, two years old, sitting in the garden at Loring Park.
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