By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Diann Henderson spent 40 years in the parks and recreation industry and 16 years as the executive director at the Great Bend Recreation Commission. She played a major role in the development of the Activity Center on 18th Street in Great Bend and the MyBackyard Playground.
Even with Henderson’s retirement in 2022, current director Chris Umphres said Henderson volunteers her time at the facility.
"The MyBackyard Playground was one of Diann's babies," said Umphres. "She was able to add some color to that area. She still comes and does the landscaping and planting beds. It was cool having her back in and doing that project."
Using cement board with plywood behind it, the Recreation Commission created a cover to go over a large electrical box outside of the Activity Center. Henderson designed and painted a mural around the box, which is still accessible to Wheatland Electric.
"They can lift the panels off," said Umphres. "With the meters now, they don't really need access to read them, it does it digitally. I don't envision them needing to get into it for any reason but it's available."
Umphres said there is a sign with Henderson’s name on it and a space is provided to place the rules of the playground.