The Great Bend Recreation Commission announced the retirement of Executive Director Diann Henderson effective Oct. 31, 2022. Henderson has been involved within the park and recreation industry for 40 years.
She has elevated the level of recreation within Great Bend with innovative recreation programs and services, guidance and leadership in the development of new recreation/park facilities and playgrounds.
At Monday’s Recreation Commission meeting, Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Jon Pike thanked Diann for her 40 years of service to the Recreation Commission and to Great Bend.
She has served as an elected board official for the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, serving Kansas municipal park and recreation departments and Recreation Commissions across the state. She served as KRPA President; served on the Midwest Region Park and Recreation Council; was a past Kansas delegate for the KRPA Legislative Forum in Washington DC; served on the KRPA Recreation Branch Board for 8 years; chaired the formation of KRPA Administrative Branch; and reinstated the KRPA Advocacy Committee.
She has been the recipient of numerous accolades: KRPA Distinguished Professional Award, KRPA Distinguished Fellow Award, KRPA Special Service Award, and KRPA Award for Excellence in Recreation Programming for the Lion’s Mural Project.
Under her guidance, the Great Bend Recreation Commission received the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Chip Award for supporting healthy lifestyles through programs, policies and community wide events.
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce awarded their Legacy Award to the Great Bend Recreation Commission in 2019.