Interim park director quits over conflict

A Truckee woman appointed as an interim director for the Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District resigned the post after learning about a possible conflict of interest.

The district board appointed Chris Arth in November to replace Kevin McCall, who stepped down after serving three years of his four-year term.

Arth currently teaches a Mommy and Me class at the district recreation center, and learned while attending an ethics conference for new public officials that her contract with the district represented a potential conflict of interest.

“It was a frustrating experience,” Arth said. “I think it took everyone at the rec center by surprise.”

On Thursday, the district’s board selected long-time Truckee resident John Pruyn to replace her.

Despite the abrupt end to her brief tenure as a parks director, Arth is considering a return in the fall. Arth said she expects to teach Mommy and Me classes until May, and is tentatively planning to run for the position in November.

Board members said they selected Pruyn based on his background in landscape architecture, and for his extensive involvement with the Truckee community.

“John has been in the community for a long time and has a real passion for park and recs,” said board secretary Peter Werbel. “As a landscape architect, he will be very helpful in going forward with the new community center.”

Pruyn also attributed his building and design credentials for earning the board’s support.

“I have a lot of knowledge to offer in park planning, contract documents and contract negotiations,” Pruyn said. “With my ability to understand park designs, I believe I can help advise the board and the rest of the park district.”

Pruyn’s duties will include attending monthly board meetings, serving on a variety of committees, as well as providing a communication link between patrons and board officials. He will also help oversee planning of the new recreation center.

“I want to help the recreation community and preserve what we have,” Pruyn said. “And I want to help build a better Truckee for the future.”