Robert Lincoln, as a boy growing up in Great Neck, loved playing in the different parks all over town. Each one had for him a special appeal, each a unique character. There were the ball fields and there were the play areas that stimulated imaginative games. Mr. Lincoln says, "In the Kings Point Park, you felt you were in the middle of New England, far away from any town. The atmosphere at the skating rink was like a rustic ski lodge. Going to the different parks was a treat and an escape." His fond memories of the parks and how important they are to the quality of life in Great Neck kept him from becoming discouraged when he ran twice for the park district commissioner position unsuccessfully.

He philosophically notes that those runs were "learning experiences" for him, as they afforded him the opportunity to talk with all segments of the park district patrons and become more familiar with the gestalt of park needs. "There are the families with young children, the boaters, the pool crowd, the tennis players, the soccer teams, the teens," he comments, "and all their needs are real, valid, and equal in importance. Those folks don't need to feel in competition with each other for services and programs."

It is clear that Mr. Lincoln is eager to get to work. "From my experience with the fire department, I know that each chief carefully grooms the up-coming deputy to take over the job of chief. I've served in that capacity twice and I know that no matter how prepared you are, you still don't really know the job until you've sat in the seat. So I know that as park commissioner, I have much to learn. But I will learn quickly."

He goes on to add that he looks forward to working with the two commissioners, William Dobkin and Ruth Tamarin. "The commissioners have shown that they have a respect for the public and encourage public input into the decision-making process. We are expected to attend to the day-to-day decisions, but when it comes to creating new programs or making new expenditures, we need the public input. You don't have to be afraid of it."

He further adds that out-going commissioner Andrew Imperatore made many important contributions to the park system. Mr. Lincoln says, "Andy was a real nuts and bolts guy. He understood the inner workings of the park extremely well and was very hands-on."

From the campaigns Mr. Lincoln says he also learned that "the vast majority of the public is reasonable and supportive of excellent, well-maintained public parks. They do expect good value for their park dollars spent, but they have consistently been generous and forward thinking. It's really pretty exciting to accomplish positive things in the parks for people's enjoyment."

Mr. Lincoln stirred his coffee thoughtfully and said, "You know, I live and breathe fire-fighting and I thought it would be good to diversify ... to learn something new. It's an opportunity to grow. I will work hard, be open-minded, accessible, and fair."

And then it was time to go. After all Mr. Lincoln had to take his dog to the vet. And yes, the Record just had to know what kind of dog. As good as his word, Mr. Lincoln has a Dalmatian, named Freckles.