[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DENNIS RAINIER'S RETIREMENT FROM MURFREES- BORO PARKS AND 
                               RECREATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
congratulate Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Director Dennis Rainier 
on his retirement after over 37 years of service.
  Dennis grew up in Maryland and came to Murfreesboro to play baseball 
for my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University. Like many MTSU 
alums, he never left Murfreesboro.
  In 1971, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Director Ray Duffy noticed 
a young man working with children in a gym at Hobgood Elementary 
School. Dennis Rainier was holding a basketball camp, and Mr. Duffy 
must have liked what he saw because he offered Dennis the position of 
Assistant Director that day. Nine years later, Mr. Duffy retired, and 
Dennis was appointed to lead the fledgling Murfreesboro Parks and 
Recreation Department that would become one of the best programs in 
Tennessee.
  Under Dennis' direction, the Old Fort Golf Course was constructed, as 
was SportsCom, StarPlex, Barfield-Crescent Park, and Patterson Park 
Community Center, each offering a variety of fitness opportunities for 
everyone in Murfreesboro.
  Dennis and I worked together on making the Stones River Greenway and 
the Discovery Center and Nature Trail at Murfree Spring a reality. Tens 
of thousands of people use the Greenway, and an estimated 100,000 
children and families explore the Discovery Center's exhibits each 
year.
  In addition to fitness complexes, golf courses and greenways, 
Murfreesboro also hosts a variety of State high school sports 
championships. These events bring millions of tourist dollars into the 
city, and Dennis always worked hard to make them a success.
  Dennis, I've enjoyed working with you and have always appreciated 
your ``can-do'' attitude. I hope you enjoy a long and happy retirement 
with your wife, children and grandchild.

                          ____________________