[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 134 (Friday, July 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   IN RECOGNITION OF MRS. TERESA `TERRY' RYNARD ON HER RETIREMENT AS 
         KANSAS CITY'S PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 2021

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
achievements of Teresa `Terry' Rynard, the Director of Kansas City's 
Parks and Recreation Department, a woman who has dedicated her life to 
decades of service to the parks and people in Kansas City. Mrs. Rynard 
is retiring after accomplishing a milestone achievement in becoming the 
first woman to serve as Kansas City's Parks and Recreation Director in 
the department's 129- year history. Her legacy of determination and 
selfless leadership will continue to inspire the lives of many beyond 
her term.
  Since the start of her career at the Parks and Recreation Department, 
Mrs. Rynard began paving the way for women to work in the field when at 
the young age of 16, she trimmed weeds and mowed fields of Kansas 
City's parks despite protests from her male coworkers. With 
perseverance, she climbed the ranks of the Department while she 
furthered her educational journey, earning a Bachelor of Arts and 
Education in 1986. In her 33 years with the Kansas City's Parks and 
Recreation Department, Mrs. Rynard has served as equipment operator, 
area superintendent, assistant park superintendent, deputy director, 
and finally Director of Parks and Recreation. Mrs. Rynard's career 
stands as a shining example of grit and being an outstanding community 
leader.
  Her contributions to the city can be seen everyday as one walks 
through its streets and parks. Not only did she succeed in efforts to 
make Kansas City safer, cleaner, and beautiful, but she helped 
cultivate an equitable environment for all to enjoy. Mrs. Rynard 
focused on areas that had been neglected for years and created the 
Quality of Life Investment District, overseeing numerous park projects 
across the underserved parts of the city. She also oversaw the 
installation of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard signs after years of 
debate, and the transition of Kansas City Museum management to the 
Kansas City Museum Foundation. In addition, Mrs. Rynard was elected to 
the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, an 
immensely prestigious honor earned through her selflessness and 
leadership. These and countless other successes testify of what an 
invaluable member of our community she has been.
  Mrs. Rynard's work for our city extends beyond the workplace and into 
her family. Her children have recounted times where, as a family, they 
would help their mother by picking up trash to clean shelters at parks 
when the Department was shorthanded. This proves her devotion to better 
the community and serve those around her, promising continued 
contributions for our city even after her retirement.
  Terry will leave a legacy of kindness and diligence that will 
continue to live on in Kansas City and its Parks and Recreation 
Department forever. Her service has touched the lives of all who live 
in Kansas City and benefit from her works daily. The leadership she's 
provided the Department has created a foundation to which to build upon 
as we continue our efforts in promoting equity, inclusion while 
developing our community. Terry's deep care and love for our City will 
continue to be felt in every park, avenue, and public space in Kansas 
City.

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