There are hundreds of unsung heroes in city and county parks departments throughout Utah who quietly do their jobs so the rest of us can enjoy quality parks, golf courses, skateboard parks, trail systems, swimming pools, soccer fields, softball and baseball diamonds, playgrounds, fitness centers and tennis courts. Too often, we take them for granted.
I thought of that today upon learning of the death of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Division director Bruce Henderson. He passed away of kidney disease at age 60. It's now too late to thank Bruce for all his work which those who enjoy Salt Lake County's wide variety of park and recreation center facilities take too much for granted. Now we can only thank his family for what he gave back to the community.
Too often we view the rangers, pool workers, park maintenance folks, golf course pros, trail workers, reservation clerks and all the other city and county parks workers who do so much to make our quality of life wonderful as invisible. Thinking about Bruce, the next time I use my favorite park facility, I'm going to have a smile and a thank you for the person behind the desk who helps make it possible.
– Tom Wharton