Inuvik (May 26/06) - Camping season has been eagerly awaited, but the fun doesn't begin until Kristine McLeod opens the gate.

McLeod is a regional parks officer with the territorial department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

"It's a busy time of the year, and it's my job to make sure the parks will be ready for opening day," said McLeod.

The gates to area parks officially open on June 1.

Jak Park, Happy Valley Campground, Vadzaih Van Tshik, Gwich'in Campground, Ehjuu Njik, Nitainlaii Campground and the Nihtak Park are all her responsibility.

McLeod started working as a parks officer in 2002 when she applied for the seasonal position.

"This is going to be my fifth summer season, and I'm looking forward to it," she said.

Her interest in maintaining the parks started when she was still in high school.

"I worked at Jak Park and Happy Valley Park under the contractor for five years prior to this," explained McLeod.

Creating awareness of the June 1 opening date has been one of her biggest priorities in the last few weeks.

"Right now I'm getting the word out to people, and making sure everything is in place to ensure that all parks will be open and in full operation as of June 1," she said.

The job is ideal for her because it brings her to new places, not just behind a stack of paperwork.

"I like my job because I'm not doing the same thing every day," said McLeod.

"I do a lot of running around, and I get to meet a lot of people, too."

Once the parks have opened, McLeod will continue to oversee the operation of the campgrounds, which also includes scheduled inspections.

McLeod encourages responsible usage of the parks during the hot summer months, and reminds people to bring their permits.

There are two types of permits - one for day use and the other for camping.

"You can get permits from me, or get one at Jak Park on the way out of town," she said.

Happy Valley Campground is also available for permit pick-ups.

McLeod is entering her third year of the university transfer bachelor of commerce and management program in Edmonton, Alta.

After she has completed that, she plans on getting into environmental law.