[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 174 (Friday, October 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF MR. MARK McHENRY AND HIS 44 YEARS OF DEDICATED 
                         SERVICE TO KANSAS CITY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2018

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize and 
celebrate Mr. Mark McHenry's 44-year career with the Kansas City Parks 
and Recreation Department. For over four decades, Mr. McHenry dutifully 
served the people of Kansas City, fulfilling numerous roles and 
bringing about countless improvements to public space in the greater 
Kansas City area. Mr. McHenry began his distinguished career with the 
Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department removing snow from roadways 
and sidewalks following snowfall; a sometimes daunting, but necessary 
job during the winter months throughout the Midwest. The same hard work 
and dedication Mr. McHenry displayed at the start of his time with the 
department, he has continuously and unremittingly matched and exceeded 
in the time since. Mr. McHenry's notable career has warranted many 
accolades and has contributed to the lives of not only the people of 
Kansas City, but also to the people of Missouri's Fifth Congressional 
District and beyond.
  Most recently, as the Director, Kansas City Parks and Recreation was 
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Included in his 
many achievements, McHenry's tenure oversaw the creation of the world 
War I Museum, the restoration and expansion of the Liberty Memorial and 
the expansion of the Kansas City Zoo. McHenry rose to the position of 
Director in 2003, after nearly three decades of dedicated service to 
the Parks and Recreation Department. His remarkable career as the 
Director reveals his lifelong commitment to the department's mission: 
to improve the quality of life, health, and wellness of the community 
by providing socially equitable, community-driven programming, and 
environmentally sound natural resource management. He has worked 
relentlessly to uphold the organization's mission of providing 
recreational programs and opportunities for the community while also 
contributing to an aesthetically pleasing environment and enhanced 
quality of life.
  Moreover, the presence of safe spaces for communities to connect, 
integrate, and share experiences is at the core of any thriving 
community. Mr. McHenry's efforts exemplified this. He oversaw the 
creation of several community centers that serve as indispensable 
spaces for Kansas City communities to gather and enrich their bodies 
and minds while enjoying nature and forging stronger communal 
relationships.
  It is my personal belief that Mark's unwavering dedication and 
steadfast vision has made a profound impact on the Kansas City 
community. Therefore, it is with a sense of bittersweet pride that the 
community must now congratulate Mark on his retirement. I speak on 
behalf of the entire city when I say thank you, Mr. Mark McHenry.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me and all of Missouri's Fifth Congressional 
District in expressing our sincerest congratulations to Mark McHenry 
for his monumental achievements in the community and his tireless 
efforts in promoting environmental conservation, innovation, and 
preservation of parks and recreational sites, not only in his city 
limits, but throughout the state. I urge all my colleagues to join me 
and Missouri's 5th District in showing our appreciation to Mr. Mark 
McHenry for his accomplishments and service.

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