By SHANNEN TALBOT
Staff Reporter 

Airway Heights progresses in addressing quality of life issues

 

Last updated 9/6/2018 at 8:48am



Now that Airway Heights’ new 46,000 square foot recreation center is taking shape, the city is focusing on taking the next steps toward the future of its non-profit, Citizens Associated for Recreation, Education and Sports (CARES.)

The non-profit was formed in 2015 by the Airway Heights Parks and Recreation Department with the goal of improving the quality of life for local residents by promoting the acquisition and development of quality recreational facilities where youth and adult programs can be developed.

According to the organization’s mission statement, the CARES Association will fulfill its mission through the volunteer efforts of the board of directors, who will “continually strive to meet the Association’s objectives, goals and ideals.”

But until recently, there was no board of directors to be had.

“CARES was formed a few years ago, and now that the Rec Center is underway, more doors are opening up for funding and partnership with other community organizations,” Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services J.C. Kennedy said. “The non-profit was launched then, but this is the first push toward really rolling it out.”

The board of directors is finally being fleshed out as city officials work with local businesses and scout out members of the community to take a seat at the table.

Retired Air Force Col. Jeff Johnson out of Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane Tribe chair Carol Evans have been confirmed as board members, Kennedy said.

The city is in talks with several other prominent people and organizations as well.

“It’s exciting to be making progress,” Kennedy said. “Big players in the community are getting to be a part of it.”

As part of the rec center construction project, the city will be making a “donor wall” showing the names of those who have donated to the non-profit. The wall will be decorative and feature 75 acrylic slats in a three-dimensional pattern.

The personalized slats are available for a $100 donation so local citizens can get involved on the ground floor of the project, Kennedy said.

Shannen Talbot can be reached at shannen@cheneyfreepress.com.

 

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