Cindy Maak discovered her career by accident.

A playground specialist, she said, “I didn’t know this job existed,” Maak said. “I got involved in this industry because my kids went to a school without a playground.”

In the past 12 years, Maak has designed and constructed playgrounds throughout Massachusetts. Her business, Site Specifics LLC, was contracted to build a new playground at Rochester Memorial School.

In 2001, Maak built her first playground when she was the parent teacher association president and fundraising chair at the Virginia school her two sons were attending.

Six months after building that playground, Maak noticed a classified ad for a playground sales representative. She applied for the job and found her calling.

“I have a real passion for this. I love to come up with designs that will inspire kids to go out, run around, and play,” she said.

When finished, playgrounds are synonymous with fun. Before that happens, there’s a lot of labor involved.

The process starts with a phone call, either from Maak to a prospective client, or an interested group reaches out to her. Maak then visits the site proposed, takes measurements, and assesses design options.

Sometimes, her work includes educating interested groups about the need for playgrounds.

“Often, playgrounds are cut when budget problems arise and they shouldn’t be,” Maak said. Playgrounds promote activity, she said, adding that play is necessary for a child’s development.

After the design phase, Maak is prepared to offer professional installation service. The other option is a community build, such as the one planned for Rochester.

Later this summer, residents will come together to construct the school’s playground under the supervision of a handful of professionals. One of Maak’s sons, Taylor, attended the school and will be on hand to help.

Maak said she would welcome the short commute. A native of Fairhaven, Maak has lived in Rochester for the past 12 years and has helped build many playgrounds.

“On weekends in the summer, sometimes I wake up at 4 a.m. drive out to Pittsfield, or Greenfield, work until 7:30 p.m., and drive back covered in bugs and dirt,” she said.

Between presentations, site visits, sales, and construction work, Maak said her business hours are well above the average 40-hour workweek. But she can’t picture doing anything else.

“I’m very lucky to be doing what I’m doing and I absolutely love it,” she said. “The way I look at it, every job should lead to another one, if you do your job correctly.”

To contact Maak call, 508-763-0207 or visit www.sitespecifics.net.