Parks agency’s Bischoff wins award for service

City of Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department administrative assistant Patty Bischoff was recently recognized for her customer service skills. She received the 2010 Customer Service Award from the Washington Recreation and Parks Association’s Facilities Services Section for “demonstrating exemplary customer service, dedication and teamwork.”

Parks and recreation director Mike Stone said he recommended Bischoff for the award. “She has just really kind of shined this year in a number of different areas,” he said.

She works very well with the public and as part of a tiny staff she is on the frontline when it comes to taking reservations and dealing with complaints, Stone said. She also assists Stone with his duties and the backup for the front desk at CenterPlace, where the parks department has its offices.

The award is usually given to an organization on the west side of the state, Stone said, and he’s thrilled that it was given to an employee of such a new city on the east side.

“I think she’s very excited about the award,” he said. “She’s kind of embarrassed by all this attention.”

The WRPA is a nonprofit organization of recreation and parks professionals.