Creating Memories, Preserving History: Tyler Hines Named Citizen of the Month

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Citizen of the Month
Tyler Hines

By Cheryl Owens
Mississippi Spirit

Tyler Hines has spent most of his life in Scott County, and today he helps preserve one of its most treasured destinations as manager of Roosevelt State Park.

Officially serving as Park Historic Site Supervisor, Hines oversees the daily operations of the park while working to ensure visitors have a memorable experience enjoying the outdoors.

A native of Morton, Hines grew up in the Forkville community. He graduated from Morton High School in 2014 before attending Holmes Community College, where he played baseball until 2016. He later transferred to Mississippi State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry.

Aside from his college years, Hines has lived in the area his entire life.

After graduating from Mississippi State, he was searching for a career opportunity when he learned of an opening for assistant park manager at Roosevelt State Park.

“My wife and I talked about it and decided that it would be a good opportunity, plus it would get us back home,” Hines said.

Hines joined the Mississippi state park system on May 16, 2021. He recently completed five years with the park and began his sixth year this past May.

One of the things he enjoys most about his job is meeting people from all walks of life.

“Interacting with people is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job,” Hines said. “I love to talk to the park guests about their experiences at the park and where they are from. It is amazing to find out that people from not only all over the country, but all over the world come to Roosevelt State Park to relax and get outdoors. We have families that have been coming to Roosevelt State Park for generations to be with each other and create memories.”

Roosevelt State Park has a rich history that many visitors may not realize.

“The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps starting in 1935 and opened in 1940,” Hines said. “This was part of the New Deal programs implemented by President Franklin Roosevelt to get men back to work during the Depression. The men were paid $30 a month and had to send $25 home. Nine of our 15 cabins were built by the CCC, and the original beams and woodwork can still be seen to this day.”

When asked about his favorite spot in the park, Hines found it difficult to choose.

“I have many parts of the park that I enjoy,” he said. “The trails, lake and campgrounds are all great places in the park. If I had to choose my favorite place, it would have to be on the dam on a clear night looking up at all the stars. It is a pretty cool view.”

As park manager, Hines wears many hats.

“The responsibilities of the park manager are anything and everything,” he said. “I am charged with making sure that the park is kept in good condition and provides a place for our guests to have a memorable experience. I oversee maintenance and housekeeping staff, as well as seasonal staff. I manage park budgets and projects that are happening in the park.”

For Hines, one of the greatest rewards is watching families create lasting memories.

“Serving the visitors at Roosevelt takes a lot of work, but the most rewarding part has to be seeing them make new memories,” he said. “A kid catching their first fish and the smile that it brings to their face is incredible. Getting to be a part of and help take care of a space where families can come and enjoy each other and experience the outdoors is worth every second.”

Hines believes public service is important because it helps preserve natural spaces for future generations.

“It is important because I am helping to conserve a place where the public can come and experience the outdoors for generations,” he said. “Our parks are places where people can get connected to nature in a way they never have before, can experience wildlife they have never seen before, and can experience plants they never have before. It is truly a place where people can get away from the noise of everyday life and relax in the beauty of the outdoors.”

Beyond his work at Roosevelt, Hines has remained active in the community. He has served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and helped organize events such as Morton Day. He has also served as a proctor for exams at Bettye Mae Jack Middle School, spoken to students at Morton Elementary School about trees, mentored students at Scott County Success School and volunteered as a baseball coach at Morton High School for two years.

Hines believes parks play an important role in improving quality of life.

“Parks provide a space where people can get away from the chaos of life and reset themselves,” he said.

He also enjoys sharing Roosevelt State Park with both local residents and visitors.

“I enjoy promoting how special of a place Roosevelt is and what all it has to offer,” Hines said. “I am blessed to work at a place where others come to vacation and enjoy the outdoors.”

Family remains at the center of Hines’ life. He has been married to his wife, Kristin, since March 2019. Together they have four children: Lily, Sawyer, Dorothy and Lula.

When he is not working, Hines enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. His favorite outdoor activities are hunting and fishing.

The values that guide him are simple but meaningful.

“Doing what is right at all times, even if it is hard. Being thankful for the things that I have been blessed with. Hard work pays off. Treating others with respect. Leading by example and being willing to help others around me.”

Being named Citizen of the Month is an honor Hines does not take lightly.

“It is an honor that I am greatly appreciative of,” he said. “I am sure that there were many people more qualified for this opportunity, but I feel truly blessed to be in the position I am in and able to work at a place that means so much to so many people.”

When reflecting on the people who have influenced his life, Hines credits many individuals.

“This is a hard one because so many people have played a part in shaping me into the person I am today,” he said. “Firstly, my parents did a great job of teaching me how to keep pushing forward no matter how hard life gets. It all started with their sacrifices, and I very much appreciate their never-ending love and support. My coaches pushed me to be the best I could be. Teachers throughout high school and college poured their knowledge into me. Since being at Roosevelt, Mr. Andre Hollis has been a true mentor and example of how to be the best man that you can be. Most importantly, my wife has supported me through everything, and without her life would be very difficult.”

He also credits his uncle, Mike McDonald, with inspiring his commitment to service.

“My Uncle Mike McDonald was a true inspiration,” Hines said. “He worked for the Mississippi Forestry Commission until he had to retire due to health issues. He loved the outdoors and taking care of it. People like him are the cornerstone to making sure that future generations still have wild places to enjoy and explore.”

Of all his accomplishments, Hines points to his family as his greatest blessing.

“My biggest accomplishment is being blessed with an incredible wife and mother to our beautiful children,” he said.

As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Hines focuses less on personal recognition and more on making a difference.

“I don’t necessarily care that people remember me,” he said. “I just hope that the work I do leaves places better than I found them for others to enjoy. I hope my legacy is not what people remember about me, but about the impact that the places I get to work in have on their lives.”

Working outdoors has also provided some memorable experiences. One of the most unusual was spotting a pelican on the park lake.

“I saw a pelican on the lake one time, which was obviously out of place,” he said.

Among his favorite wildlife sightings is a pair of eagles that return to the park each spring.

If he could spend a day anywhere in the park, Hines said he would choose the hiking trails.

He also encourages visitors to step outside their comfort zones.

“They should try something for the first time,” he said. “Hike a trail, kayak, fish, camp outside or attend a park event with family.”

When asked what he loves most about the community he calls home, Hines pointed to the people.

“This community is shaped by so many people that want the best for the community,” he said. “So many people that are selfless and willing to help others. I call it home because this is the place that shaped me, and no matter where I am at, this place will always be where it all started.”