Idaho Falls, ID: The public is invited to an open house on Friday, February 24 to recognize long-time Recreation Supervisor, Kevin Day who will be retiring after 32 years of service to the City of Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation Department. The open house will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Skyline Activity Center located at 1575 N. Skyline Drive, Idaho Falls.
Day started working for the City of Idaho Falls in January of 1985 doing sports programming for the Recreation Division. The division is responsible for well over 200 annual children and adult programs, ranging in diversity from basketball and softball, to ice-skating, skateboarding, hip-hop, yoga and Taiko drumming. The division also manages more than 150 seasonal employees who work as program leaders, lifeguards, referees, swim and sport instructors and facility operators.
“If you’ve been involved with the city’s recreational programs, sports or events over the past 32 years, then you’ve experienced Kevin’s hard work and dedication to this community,” states Recreational Superintendent, PJ Holm.
Day was recently awarded the Red Halpern Lifetime Achievement Award by USA Softball of Idaho for his 28-plus years of service to the organization as the District 7 Commissioner. In this capacity, Day acted as a regional and national qualifier for men’s slow-pitch and men’s and girl’s fast-pitch tournaments. He also served as the USA Softball liaison for local teams traveling to other sanctioned USA Softball tournaments.
Prior to dedicating 28 years of service to USA Softball as district commissioner, Day was a player and competitor of many USA Softball registered teams. He played the majority of his career in the Men’s Major Fast-pitch Division in the Salt Lake City area. “USA Softball was like a second home for Kevin,” states Chris Horsley, coworker and recreation specialist for the division.
Day had the opportunity to play against other national softball icons such as Chuck D’arci, current Cal Bears softball coaching staff who had a renowned pitching career in men’s softball; Mike White, a five-time USA Softball Men’s National Champion; and Ty Stoflet, coined the “fastest softball pitcher in America.”
“Not only did Kevin play against great players, but he got hits off softball greats like Peter Meredith and Mike Peichnik,” explains Horsley.
Brent Martin, Park Superintendent and USA Softball Hall of Fame member recalls a tournament in Idaho Falls when they played the Camrose Kings of Canada. Their pitcher, who was touting coming off an injury, struck every batter out twice that day, except Day. “Kevin played at a high level, and it showed when he got on that field,” states Martin.
USA Softball State Commissioner Bill Parks summed Day’s service up in one phrase at the award banquet, “Kevin is the most humble district commissioner I have ever worked with. He is quiet and speaks little, but when he does comment, he is full of wisdom. We will miss his presence.”
Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff, contact Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon.
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About Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation: The mission of the City of Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation Department is to provide quality parks and recreation opportunities based upon cost efficiency and community needs. Learn more on our website.