Buckeye Greenway Park renamed in honor of retired KC Parks director
Buckeye Greenway Park was renamed Teresa Lynn Rynard Park in October of 2024 in honor of retired KC Parks Director Terry Rynard. Join us for the official unveiling of the new sign.
WHAT: Teresa Lynn Rynard Park sign unveiling
WHEN: Friday, June 27, 2025, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Teresa Lynn Rynard Park (south of Chouteau Elementary School), 3701 N Jackson Ave. 64117 (map)
SPEAKERS:
- KC Parks Board President Beth Haden
- City Councilmembers Wes Rogers (2D) and Kevin O’Neill (1D at-Large)
- Former KC Parks Commissioner Chris Goode
- Teresa Lynn Rynard
ABOUT TERRY RYNARD:
A Kansas City native, Terry Rynard grew up walking through Buckeye Greenway Park and participating in after-school programs supported by KC Parks & Recreation. Inspired by their impact, she began part-time work with the department at age 16 and transitioned to full-time after graduation.
Over the years, Terry held numerous leadership roles, including equipment operator, area superintendent, and assistant park superintendent, before leaving to pursue opportunities in other cities. She returned to Kansas City as deputy director in 2013 and became the first female director in the department’s history in January of 2019.
Her tenure as director was marked by investment in equity through initiatives like the Quality of Life Investment District (QLID), bringing resources to underserved areas of the city.
Terry retired as director of Kansas City, Missouri Parks & Recreation in July of 2021, after nearly three years in the role and decades of service to the citizens of Kansas City, Missouri.
