Longtime Post Falls parks director reflects on 30 years as council swears in new parks director

The Post Falls City Council recognized a leadership transition at its Dec. 23 meeting. Shannon Howard administered the oath of office to the city's new parks and recreation director early in the meeting. Later, Dave Fehr, the outgoing senior Park and Recreation Director, delivered a 30-year retrospective highlighting the department's growth from 6 to 37 parks, expansion of acreage, revenue increases tied to impact fees and partnerships, and priorities such as trail connectivity and long-term land acquisition.

Fehr described how impact fees, grants and partnerships have funded much of the city's capital work in parks and recreation and urged the council to maintain flexibility in funding. He listed accomplishments (new docks, playground modernization, Tullamore Quarry and the community forest acquisitions) and emphasized institutional knowledge, staff contributions and the department's service orientation. "It's the quiet power of public service," Fehr said in his remarks.

Council members offered farewell remarks to Mayor Jacobson and others at the meeting's end; the mayor reflected on his tenure, thanked staff and residents and adjourned the meeting.

Next steps: Parks staff and council will proceed with planned transitions and follow-up items as Fehr departs and the new director assumes duties.