Bridges to retire as Rathdrum’s parks and rec director Feb. 19

RATHDRUM — Lance Bridges started with a small office and a few used soccer balls, and built the Rathdrum Parks and Recreation Department into what it is today.

Bridges, who has led the city's department since May 1999, will retire on Friday, Feb. 19. The community is invited to his retirement party on that day from 3 to 5 p.m. at City Hall, 8047 W. Main St.

"My wife (Becky) and I thought now would be a good time to retire because we're still young enough to do some things," said Bridges, 60. "Working at Rathdrum has been very special. It's a great group of people — very positive and willing to help."

Eric Singer, Rathdrum's parks supervisor, said Bridges has one of the biggest hearts of anyone he knows.

"If you had an issue whether it was personal or professional his door was always open and he made himself available day or night," Singer said. "Lance strived each and every day to provide quality recreational opportunities for all ages, but especially the youngsters.

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"What gave Lance the most joy was seeing a kid smile whether it was because they caught their first fish at the Fishing Derby or because they just scored their first basket of their life on the basketball court. 'That’s what it’s all about,' he would say at a game or an event when a kid would walk by with a smile on their face."

Singer said multiple times he'd drive by the parks and recreation office late at night and there Bridges would be, still working on city matters.

"He would always put in the extra hours and the extra time and would routinely sacrifice his own time to get his work done," Singer said. "The city and the people of Rathdrum are going to miss him greatly. He is the true definition of community."

Bridges is the son of former Brooklyn Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels pro baseball player Rocky Bridges.

Under Bridges' direction, Rathdrum's Parks and Recreation Department grew to include year-round youth sporting programs including soccer, basketball, volleyball and football. He has expanded sports programs for adults as well.

He has expanded recreation activities to include a "Daddy Daughter Dance," "Mom and Son Skating Night," "Family fun day in the park" and "Taste of Rathdrum."

He also helped lead the way in building Majestic Park, Rathdrum's newest park.