Adams continues family tradition of service to Airway Heights

As a child, Alex Adams spent several hours helping his grandmother Francine Osborne at the Airway Heights food bank. Fast forward several years later and he is sitting in the City Council chambers, giving a presentation on the upcoming Parks and Recreation activities for the next month.

Adams, who recently graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in recreation management, is currently interning with Airway Heights' Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

Adams started helping his grandmother at the food bank and other areas she was involved in.

"I didn't know she was involved in all of this stuff until these last couple of years, but I guess that's why I helped out so much," Adams said.

Adams' grandmother was not the only member of his family who has served the city. His mother Rita Osborne is a member of the Planning Commission. Adams said both she and his grandmother made sure he was "involved in all of the programs.

Parks, Recreation and Community Services director J.C. Kennedy said Adams was one of the first kids he met in the community when he started working for the city. He said Adams was one of the kids who was "heads and shoulders above the kids in his age group."

"He was always the kid who scored six goals," Kennedy said. "He was in football and soccer. He was always an athletic kid. It's been wonderful seeing him grow from a child to an adult."

Another person Adams bonded with was Parks, Recreation and Community Services supervisor Andy Gardner, who has become a mentor to Adams.

Adams kept in touch with Kennedy and Gardner throughout high school. After he graduated, Gardner asked him to work for the city.

Adams has worked with Parks and Recreation since 2010, mainly helping with after school programs, summer meals and other areas.

"It's been a great ride so far," Adams said. "It's nice knowing that I'm doing something important. I get told all of the time that our programs mean the world to the participants."

During college, he was on the practice squad for the 2010 EWU football team and has a National Championship ring. He was originally going to study physical therapy.

He started to become overwhelmed with his studies, athletics and work. After weighing the options, he decided to continue working for the city and declared recreation management as his major, along with a minor in business.

"I turned to the kids, I turned to work," Adams said. "Work felt more important to me at the time. I took on more responsibilities. I don't regret my decision."

Adams intends to finish his internship in the summer and then pause before he pursues a full-time career.

"I do hope that one day I could get a full-time job here and continue to serve the city," Adams said. "If not, I would like to open a gym here in Airway Heights, Cheney or the Spokane area. I want to stay close."

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.