A Few Minutes with...Recreation Leader Brenden Fettis

Meet Brenden Fettis —a Recreation Leader whose days are anything but ordinary! From repairing volleyball nets and officiating youth games to spearheading an adult softball league, Brenden’s dynamic role in Parks & Community Services is full of surprises. Brenden shows up each day with a smile on his face and a can-do attitude, so it's no wonder the emoji that represents him is ??. Thank you Brenden for your hard work and commitment to Issaquah!

.What is your role at the city and how long have you worked here?

I serve as a Recreation Leader in the Parks & Community Services Department, and I’ve had the pleasure of working here since May 2022, I’m approaching my third year with the city!

In my role, I assist with a wide range of activities across athletics and the Community Center, including coordinating classes, supporting programs, assisting with special events, and handling various tasks as they arise. The diversity of responsibilities keeps the work exciting and dynamic every day!

?What might someone not realize about your job?

Many people don't realize just how varied my job can be. One day, I could be repairing a volleyball net system at the Community Center, the next I might be officiating a youth basketball game, and then I could be leading craft activities at our day camp.

What’s a work project you are particularly proud of?

I’m particularly proud of the Adult Softball League we hosted this in summer 2024. We had 39 teams in our Early Season League and 20 teams in our Late Season League, with games running every day of the week at Tibbetts Valley Park.

Have you checked something off your bucket list? What was it?

Yes! I checked off a major bucket list item when I proposed to my girlfriend. We met in college back in 2016 during a role-playing game organized by one of my roommates. I proposed in August at a beautiful chateau in Avignon, France, which made for an unforgettable moment.

What do you think makes your team particularly unique?

Our team is truly unique because of our incredible can-do attitude and the diverse skill sets each member brings. Everyone is always willing to step in and help wherever needed.

What's your go-to morning beverage?

Even though I live in coffee-loving Western Washington, I don’t drink coffee or tea! My go-to morning beverage is simply water—refreshing and energizing to start the day off right.

When you’re feeling unmotivated, what do you do to recharge?

I recharge by listening to music—specifically from the Swedish band Sabaton. Their high-energy songs always help me get back into the zone and fired up!

What’s something you’ve been reading or learning about lately that’s grabbed your attention?

Lately, I’ve developed a new hobby—cooking at home. It’s been a fun and rewarding journey, from watching the Food Network to diving into cookbooks and experimenting with recipes alongside my fiancé.

One book that has been particularly helpful is How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman. It’s packed with useful tips on essential kitchen skills like knife techniques, selecting the right pots and pans, and understanding basic ingredients. It’s been a fantastic resource as I refine my cooking skills.

?If you were an emoji, which would you be?

I’d be the smiley emoji ??. I strive to maintain a positive attitude because I truly believe that a smile can brighten anyone’s day.