[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 62 (Thursday, April 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF MICHAEL D. PATTERSON, RECREATION DIRECTOR FOR THE CITY OF 
                              ROCKY RIVER

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Michael D. 
Patterson, Recreation Director for the City of Rocky River, in 
celebration of his retirement after 34 years of service.
  Thanks to his hard work and expertise, the Rocky River Parks and 
Recreation Department has been able to expand, offering programs to 
better the quality of life for all residents. Mr. Patterson began his 
career with the Parks and Recreation Department after earning a 
Master's degree from the University of Tennessee in 1976. When he first 
started, the Department only had five full-time employees. Today, the 
department employs sixteen.
  Under Mr. Patterson's leadership, the Rocky River Outdoor Pool was 
renovated; the ice rink was renovated twice; a new civic center was 
constructed; and Rocky River's parklands were restored and maintained. 
Mr. Patterson has been a longtime member of the Ohio Parks and 
Recreation Association, including his service as President of the board 
from 2000 to 2001. During his time as Recreation Director, the City of 
Rocky River was honored with several awards from the State of Ohio, 
including the Superior Award for Teen Programs and the Outstanding 
Facility Award for the Don Umerley Civic Center.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Michael D. 
Patterson, whose unwavering dedication to the Parks and Recreation 
Department in Rocky River, Ohio has helped to preserve and promote the 
green spaces in our community. I wish Mr. Patterson and his family an 
abundance of health, happiness and peace in all of their future 
endeavors.

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