Fully embracing outdoor adventure is not a requirement for the Parks and Recreation Director role, but having a spirit of discovery and vision for seeing opportunities instead of challenges is precisely why the city and the residents of Kirkwood are thankful Kyle Henke is leading the Parks and Recreation Department.
Describe the big adventure you and your wife went on during your honeymoon in Tulum, Mexico.
We loved Tulum from the moment we arrived. We ate fresh fish every night, met people from around the world, and explored the landscape. We did not want to leave. So, we didn't. We spent three months traveling through Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize without a plan. It was fantastic. I highly recommend it. When we returned to the United States, we spent the next three months traveling through the Badlands, Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone and exploring the West. It was an incredible six-month experience.
Clearly, you thrive on new experiences. How does your love of learning align with being the Parks and Recreation Director?
This job is more than running sports leagues and summer camps. It involves budgeting, managing staff, and understanding chemical systems, mechanical systems, architecture, facilities, landscapes, and even art sculptures. You have to know a little bit about each area. There is never a moment when I feel like I'm not learning something new.
Also, the city has so many experts in their field who are willing to share their knowledge and information, which is another thing I thrive on—teamwork. My staff has a very team-oriented approach to accomplishing what the city needs from us.
What was your vision for creating a community center for the city?
I like this question because it's not about me and my vision. This is truly the staff's vision. My staff wanted to see this building evolve. They prioritized updating spaces and technology – we will have wifi for the first time ever! We will have one front desk for the entire building, easing confusion. Our new Movement Studio will free up the gym for other activities. The new building offers flexible space for businesses to use for meetings or for people who want to teach a variety of classes. We want it to feel like a community center, not just a building, so we've added multiple gathering spaces.
As a Kirkwood resident and the Parks Director, what have you come to love about this community?
For starters, the pool. So many kids grow up going to Kirkwood Pool – that's their childhood. I get to see them create some of their best memories. There is also the Turkey Day run, the 4th of July Celebration, and Greentree Festival. The parks and recreation team works while others have fun, but for me, that's what I love most. We're creating long-lasting memories for families rather than just providing something for the community to do.
What event do you wish more people knew about?
The Kirkwood Arts Commission Making Music Concert Series has a concert on the deck on Walker Lake in the fall. We are also working on a master plan that allows residents to provide input on parks and recreation. Also, people don't know there are 14 parks in Kirkwood.
What is the most underutilized park?
Fireman's Park, located behind Firehouse #2 on Big Bend Road.
Kirkwood Remembers The Man Behind Greentree's Musical Talent
Bob Mosby is known for booking Greentree Festival's best up-and-coming bands. But he had some help. "Bruce Canan was all about music. As a lifelong musician, he mentored many local bands, including one of Greentree's most popular bands, Falling Fences," said Bob. "Bruce and I developed the concept of booking bands for Greentree that only play original music." Today, bands from around the region aspire to play on Greentree's Main Stage. Bruce Canan, or Coach Canan as he was more affectionately known, passed away on June 7th. Bob Mosby dedicated Greentree's main stage to Coach Canan, one of Kirkwood's unassuming volunteers and unsung heroes.
Parks & Rec work while others have fun - that's what I love most.
We're creating long-lasting memories for families.