Tom Cook is pictured here, (center) with other HRC staff. (courtesy photo)

Long-time Hutchinson Recreation Commission Director Tom Cook will be retiring at the end of April. Cook has been the director of HRC for 23 years and has been in the recreation profession for more than 35 years.

Cook played an active role in the building and enhancement projects of several facilities that Hutch Rec operates, including: Dillon Nature Center’s Education & Discovery Center, new playscape at DNC, Keller Leisure Arts Center, Elmdale Wellness Center, and Salt City Splash Aquatic Center. He also was involved in the building of two aquatic spray parts, hike/bike trail system, skateboard park, Hutchinson Tennis Complex, renovation of in-town ball diamonds, and numerous other small projects.

Cook also was actively involved in numerous community organizations and committees throughout his tenure.

Cook’s retirement has been part of the Hutch Rec operational plan for more than five years, as he was set to retire between the years 2011 and 2013.

“The timing is best with the reorganization of HRC funding issue headed in a positive direction,” Cook says. “It will allow the new director to be part of the changeover.”

There have been several rewarding times and memories throughout his time at Hutch Rec – and ones that have brought variety. Cook enjoyed watching preschoolers excitedly come out of a leisure arts class, the excitement of a youth or adult ball game, participants with disabilities participate in the Special Populations Track Meet, and the youthfulness of 99-year-old volunteer Opal Wilson talk about the Elmdale 50-Plus Center.

“It has been a very rewarding career that my passion has had such a positive impact on the quality of life of so many people over the years,” Cook says.

Under Cook’s tenure, Hutch Rec was aggressive in obtaining non-tax dollars to support the operation, as there has been no mill levy increase requests by HRC for more than 20 years.

“The general public are who we work for,” Cook says. “We run a very efficient and effective organization.”