[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 3 (Thursday, January 27, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: January 27, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          HONORING GENE KELLY

  Mr. DURENBERGER. Mr. President, most Americans consider 
themselves very fortunate when they are able to spend their lives doing 
what they enjoy the most. Today in Bloomington, MN, Gene Kelly will be 
retiring from just such a career--over 32 years as manager of the 
Bloomington Parks and Recreation Division. The citizens of Bloomington 
are indebted to him for making their suburban homes into a real 
community.
  Playing in the city parks of East St. Paul, Gene early developed his 
love for parks, sports and people. At Harding High School, he lettered 
in football, basketball, and baseball, and was named an All-City 
Baseball and Basketball player. In 1938, he pitched his way to the 
American Legion Minnesota State Championship. He was a star at the 
University of Minnesota, where he lettered in basketball and baseball. 
As a pitcher, he only lost 3 games over the course of 3 years, and in 
basketball his proudest moment was when he made the winning free throw 
with 8 seconds to go to beat Indiana 48-47 in 1944.
  Following graduation with a major in education and a minor in public 
health, Gene realized a lifelong dream and signed a professional 
baseball contract with the St. Paul Saints of the American Association; 
subsequently playing with Raleigh in the Carolina League, Evansville in 
the 3-I League, Seattle in the Pacific Coast League, and Syracuse in 
the International League. In retirement, Gene continued to keep his 
baseball enthusiasm alive by leading many community amateur teams to 
state and national championships.
  In 1947, Gene left professional baseball and worked in the 
communities of Corydon, KY; Wake Forest, NC; Willmar, MN, where he held 
his first Parks and Recreation Directorship; and on to Elgin, IL, for 
another Parks and Recreation position. In 1961, Gene became Parks and 
Recreation Director in his beloved Bloomington.
  He also became involved as an official in high school and college 
baseball, basketball, and football. For 37 years, he traveled to many 
Minnesota communities officiating for high school games and officiating 
college games in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, 
and Wisconsin. In fact, he also umpired with the ``Big Leagues'' in 
1979 for the American League during the umpire strike.
  It was during his officiating years that I had my first run in with 
Gene, and he will never let me forget. It just so happens that Gene 
officiated a basketball game when I played for St. John's Academy. 
Under his scrutiny, I was fouled out before the end of the game. 
Afterwards, my father, who was athletic director at St. John's, met 
Gene and remarked, ``You were pretty rough on my son out there.'' To 
which Gene replied, ``Well, your son was pretty rough on the 
opponents.''
  Little did we know then that we would have an opportunity for many 
more meetings. When I started raising my family in Minneapolis, I was 
involved as a member and chair of the Hennepin Open Space and Parks 
Commission and the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission. Gene 
was a prominent local official, involved in the Hennepin Parks 
Commission as well as the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission.
  Gene has dedicated his career to the acquisition, planning, growth, 
development and preservation of Bloomington's extensive park system, 
which has grown from several hundred acres to 8,000 and 110 park areas 
during his tenure in Bloomington. As a result of Gene's leadership, 
voters have approved bond programs totaling $12,640,000 for park land 
acquisition and site improvement which has resulted in a system of 
playfields, playgrounds, playlots, urban community and regional parks, 
and thousands of acres of conservation and open space areas.
  Bloomington will long remember Gene's service to the community. His 
name is spoken with respect and honor. There is a Gene C. Kelly Youth 
Playfield, a spot for him in the Bloomington Hall of Fame; A Gene C. 
Kelly Award to recognize outstanding contributions of Bloomington 
citizens for the promotion of recreation programs and facilities, and 
there was even a Gene Kelly Youth Playfield Day on September 19, 1992.
  Gene's desire was to provide a play area within walking distance for 
every child in Bloomington, including his own sons Jim, Bob, David, 
John, Michael, Paul, and Tom. It is always refreshing to drive through 
Bloomington, and see people enjoying the fruits of Gene's labor. The 
parks are used throughout the year--whether for baseball, soccer, 
skating, sledding, walking, running, or just enjoying the essence of 
Minnesota. Thanks to Gene, the residents of Bloomington have a park 
system that is at their doorstep and that is second to none. I join 
them in thanking him for a terrific career in the public 
service.

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