Great Bend Recreation Commission Director Diann Henderson has been elected to serve as president-elect and then president of the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association. Her three-year term will begin in January.
Henderson announced the news on Monday at the GBRC board meeting, noting that GBRC Sport Supervisor Chris Umphres has been elected for a two-year term as a regional member of the KRPA executive board, and Great Bend Park Superintendent Scott Keeler was elected to the KRPA Park and Natural Resource Board for 2013-14.
Based in Topeka, KRPA is an association of more than 1,000 municipal recreation and park professionals, universities and 218 public park and recreation agencies.
According to a news release from the association, the Park and Natural Resource Branch is one of eight branches of the KRPA. It provides opportunities for members to engage in quality workshops and training opportunities.
As president, Henderson will be the official representative of the KRPA. She will serve on the National Recreation & Park Association Award Review Committee for the Midwest Council, and will represent the association on the NRPA Midwest Council.
“Central Kansas will be well represented on upcoming KRPA boards,” Henderson said, adding this “is an indicator that the recreation and park professionals in Great Bend are highly regarded statewide, which reflects on our community’s commitment to recreation and park systems.”  
At Monday’s meeting, Henderson announced that GBRC board member Bruce Hofeling’s term will end Dec. 31, and the mayor will appoint a new commissioner to serve in 2013.
“According to our bylaws, we have a two-term limit,” Henderson said, so Hofeling won’t be able to serve another term. Anyone who is interested may pick up an application at the City Office or contact Henderson at the Recreation Center, 1214 Stone St., for more information.
The commission also accepted a $300 gift to its foundation from Stephanie Scheuerman, in memory of her son, Dustin Buess, to purchase supplies for GBRC’s youth basketball program