The South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District will soon be on the lookout for a new director as Terri Arnold is stepping down to take a job on the East Coast.

Arnold has accepted a position with the small town of Middlebury, Vt., as the city’s director of parks and recreation.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so excited,” said Arnold, in an interview Tuesday morning.

Arnold said she was also offered a position as administrator in Dayton, Ohio, but Middlebury was an easy choice, she said.

“New England is one of my favorite parts of the country,” she said.

Her last day with South Whidbey parks will be Dec. 21, as her new position begins Jan. 2.

Arnold, who grew up on Whidbey Island, has been with the district since she was hired in early 2007. Before that, she spent 3 years as superintendent of Island County parks and 13 years in various positions with Seattle’s parks department.

Being a parks director can be a challenging role, said Arnold, but she is proud of the district’s accomplishments over the past five years and leaves behind a well prepared staff.

“I leave here with a lot of pride,” she said.