By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Great Bend Recreation Commission publicly announced the retirement
of long-time Executive Director Diann Henderson this past June, now it is time
to celebrate Henderson for her 40 years within the park and recreation
industry.
Assistant Superintendent Chris Umphres said a retirement celebration for
Henderson will be held Oct. 21 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Great
Bend Activity Center on 18th Street.
"While we're celebrating Diann's 40 years, we'll get to play on the playground," said Umphres. "That was one of the bigger projects that Diann did. I know she has desire to still come back and do plantings out there, so she'll be around for sure."
Henderson played a major role in the development of the Activity Center,
MyBackyard Playground, fitness trail and toddler playground at Veterans
Memorial Park.
Henderson’s official retirement date is Oct. 31. Umphres agreed
to a three-year contract as the next Executive Director beginning Nov. 1.
Henderson's husband, Ken, is scheduled to retire later this year from Barton Community College.