Rathdrum Parks and Rec job ‘perfect’ for EWU grad

RATHDRUM – A Spokane native who lettered in three high school sports has been hired by the Rathdrum Parks and Recreation Department. Kevin Aronson, 24, graduated from Ferris High School and earned a bachelor’s degree last year from Eastern Washington University in recreation management.

“Being around kids and being around sports are my two passions – so this is just perfect for me,” said Aronson, who played high school football, basketball and soccer.

He’s worked with youth sports programs for years. This will be his first full-time, permanent job in the business.

“It’s really hard to find a job in recreation management,” he said. “So I’m fortunate I did that pretty early on.”

Aronson will oversee recreation activities and programs for the rapidly-growing department.

Lance Bridges, department director, said Aronson’s energy and enthusiasm will be great assets to the community.

Aronson jumped right in to his work. He’s busily organizing the city’s annual 3-on-3 basketball tourney, to be held July 21, in conjunction with Rathdrum Days.

Now that’s Aronson’s on board, the department plans to begin offering adult programs. Softball teams and arts and cultural activities for grownups are being considered for 2008. They’ll be offered in addition to youth sports, like flag football, soccer, volleyball and basketball, Aronson said.

Aronson most recently worked at Seattle’s SeaTac Community Center, coordinating after-school programs for children. Before that, he spent five years with Skyhawks sports camps in Spokane. And he coached an AAU girls’ basketball team.

More than 2,000 kids and adults participated in Parks and Recreation programs last year, said Bridges. Support from area schools and communities is key to the program’s viability and success.

Aronson takes over for Nick Langley, who’s working as a civilian on a U.S. military base in the Marshall Islands.

Having grown up in Spokane, Aronson said he’s thrilled to have found work in the area. He said he wanted to come back after college to be closer to family and friends.