After living in Alaska in a tent with no electricity, residing in Hopkinton must seem tame in comparison for Justin La Vigne.

The Hopkinton Recreation Director has lived in a variety of states across the country, but has found a home in New Hampshire since he took over the department a year ago.

While a student at York College, La Vigne wasn’t sure what he wanted to do for a career. La Vigne was majoring in business and was accepted to an internship at Walt Disney World.

“I figured out I liked working with people and like being active outside,” said La Vigne. “I don’t want to sit at a desk all week.”

When his undergrad work was completed, La Vigne travelled to Arizona State University to earn a graduate degree in Recreation Management.

During that time, La Vigne travelled to Alaska to work on his dissertation, and while the living quarters weren’t lavish, La Vigne enjoyed spending his time working on maps and hiking trails.

“It was a great experience. I drove from Arizona to Alaska and lived in the back country in a tent made of wood and canvas with no electricity or anything like that,” said La Vigne. “I worked there for six months and then came back to defend my thesis.”

La Vigne returned to Alaska to work for a cruise company, worked in a nursing home and as an outdoor recreation director before he landed in Hopkinton last summer.

“Being out there in the geriatric field, parks and recreation, tourism, bringing that all together, gives me good ideas for all sorts of programs that I could bring for all ages in Hopkinton,” he said. “I’m doing things for people from 3 years to 100 years old. All my experience in the different states helps me communicate with people.”

Spending time with community members is La Vigne’s favorite part of his job.

“That’s my passion, people. I love to be around people,” said La Vigne. “I get a kick out of going to the camp to see kids running around, or going to the pond to see kids learning to swim. Having a job that fuels my passion is great.”