Kim Best steps down as Cheney recreation manager after 14 years with department

Cheney Recreation Manager Kim Best has stepped down after almost 15 years with the Parks and Recreation Department. Best’s last day was Sept. 6.

In farewell letter sent Sept. 5 to “Community Partners,” Best said it was an emotional moment considering the relationships she has built over the years with a variety of groups of people.

“I would have never imagined being able to touch so many lives in so many ways through people, parks and programs,” Best wrote, describing herself accurately as “the face of Cheney Parks and Recreation.”

Since beginning as a volunteer in 2004, Best has served in a variety of roles with the department. She eventually became a full-time employee, and was elevated to the recreation manger position in January 2016.

City Administrator Mark Schuller said they are moving as quickly as possible to replace Best. The position was advertised on Sept. 7, with a title change from recreation manager to recreation director and some updated position requirements.

“Rest of the job duties remain the same,” Schuller said in an email. “The position will continue to focus their efforts on the recreation side of the Parks and Recreation Department.”

Schuller added that the position requirement changes include a different designation for a certified parks and recreation professional, replacing the old certification from the previous description. The city also listed aquatics facility operator and certified youth sports administrator as additional preferred qualifications, echoing two of the tasks Best had undertaken — managing the city’s 50-plus-year-old pool as well as youth sports.

“These are all certifications that show a demonstrated knowledge in the particular subject area,” Schuller said.

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].