Thank this guy for clean parks and tidy city buildings

The weather has warmed, and residents are wandering outside for fresh air and fun. Scott Fahrenbruch, director of operations Carson City Parks and Recreation Department, and his staff have been preparing for the onslaught of sports and recreational activities.

Fahrenbruch is married to Bonnie, a teacher at Seeliger Elementary School. They have two daughters, Kelsey, 24, who lives out of state; and Jessica, 11. The Fahrenbruchs came here from Greeley, Colo., where he worked for the Parks Department for 15 years.

Though he has a managerial job that requires a substantial amount of time behind a desk, he still must get outside and visit the numerous sites his department maintains. This is something he relishes, and wishes he had more time to do it, he said. To contact Fahrenbruch, call 887-2363.

How long have you worked for the city?

Twelve years. I came here in 1994 to take the parks superintendent position.

Why did you choose this line of work?

I started out in high school working at a cemetery. I just enjoyed being outdoors and doing that kind of work. One reason why I like this kind of work is because you can drive around town and measure what gets accomplished every day.

What did you have to learn to do this job?

I had to learn all of the technical aspects. The most important thing I learned - you can't do everything yourself.

What are your responsibilities?

With the help of others, I oversee the management and operations of all city parks, most city-owned buildings and grounds, and the cemetery. The superintendent just managed the parks before. Now the job includes managing parks, facilities and the Lone Mountain Cemetery.

How many people work for you?

There are 34 full-time employees, and during the spring and summer, up to 30 more part-time, hourly employees. I don't think people realize how much work and effort is involved by these folks in providing the facilities we all share. It's all the way from the people who pick up trash to the people who install and repair irrigation systems, repair heating and air conditioning systems, and the other various technical aspects of the jobs they perform.

What's new?

We are working with the developer currently in constructing Silver Oak Park (at Oak Ridge Drive near College Parkway, scheduled to open this fall). We are looking for the site of a new recreation center, and also have recently acquired the new Health and Human Services Building on Long Street.

Is there a growing need for the services you and your employees provide?

As the community grows, so do the number of parks, facilities and public buildings, which continue to tax our resources.

What is the most gratifying part of the job?

Helping other employees succeed, and at the same time having fun and getting the job done.

What is the most difficult part of the job?

Probably maintaining our current level of service with limited resources.

What do you wish people would realize about what your department does?

I wish people would realize that we are taxpayers also, and that we take our roles seriously in providing the services we do.

Do volunteers have a role?

We depend a lot on volunteers. For example, the Carson City Youth Sports Association. They run most of the youth sports programs in town, and we provide the facilities. This cooperation is what makes Carson City special.