City says farewell to Steve Kastens, 20-year parks director

Longtime Carson City Parks and Recreation Director Steve Kastens was honored by the Board of Supervisors Thursday on his last day in that position.

Kastens retired after 28 years with the city - the past 20 as director of the department.

Mayor Ray Masayko praised Kastens for his "tremendous legacy" in developing and maintaining a total of 31 parks and 17 other facilities in the capital city, managing more than 800 acres of city property, caring for city facilities and developing a wide variety of recreational programs from aquatics and latch-key programs to youth sports enjoyed by Carson residents.

Kastens has been a Carson resident since 1963 when his father took a job as Nevada state parks director. Kastens graduated from Carson High School in 1970.

You've been there with us through all the development and all the building of the programs," said Supervisor Pete Livermore. "Thank you very much for all your years of help and devotion."

Masayko said his "integrity and leadership has served the residents of Carson City well."

Supervisor Robin Williamson described Kastens as "a problem solver and a positive person."

Kastens thanked, among others, former Carson City manager Don Hataway who hired him as parks and recreation director in 1984.

"This community will make you succeed," he said, predicting that his successor will do well.

"I have a staff behind me that won't let them fail," he added.

Until a permanent replacement is named, city parks operations director Scott Fahrenbruch will fill Kastens' position. Fahrenbruch was originally hired as city parks superintendent in March 1994.

Contact Geoff Dornan at nevadaappeal@sbcglobal.net or 687-8750.