[ back ]
Recreation Director retires after 34 years
(by Megan Burrow - June 17, 2008)
As Jim Gwynne walked out of the Westwood Community Center this past Friday afternoon, he shut the door on a long career as the borough’s recreation director. After 34 years, Gwynne doesn’t quite know how he will spend all of his newfound free time. “I don’t even know what I’m doing tomorrow,” he said with a laugh.
More than 120 people came to his retirement party last Friday, some from as far away as Tom’s River; a testament to the lives Gwynne has touched since he first took the position in 1973.
Gwynne said he has always tried to be “in tune with the trends going on” and bring the residents the programs they want.
The recreation director is responsible for maintaining the facilities, planning for new playgrounds, working with the recreation advisory board, and always thinking of new projects to improve the recreation experience for residents.
Gwynne credits the department’s success to all the people who have helped him keep the recreation department running and organized over the years. “I didn’t do this alone,” he said. “I think the phrase is ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Well, it takes a village to make a rec. department go too. I’m very appreciative of all the volunteers and staff members who have helped.”
A lot can happen in 34 years. Some programs, Gwynne said, like football and softball, have expanded to such an extent they have outgrown the department and are now their own “quasi-associations.” Others have been phased out as participants’ interest declined.
Westvale Park has evolved from a former landfill site into what the borough hopes will one day be a state-of-the-art recreation facility. Through it all, Gwynne has attempted to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of residents, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens.
Borough Administrator Bob Hoffmann emphasized how grateful Westwood officials are to have enjoyed Gwynne’s expertise for so many years. “He’s left his imprint on every park and playground in the community and he’s left a fine legacy for the new rec. director to build on,” he said.
Although he is aware of the big shoes he has to fill, Gary Buchheister said he would do his best to continue the Gwynne’s work in the department. Buchheister has worked in the field of recreation for 15 years.
“Gary will be able to carry on the foundation Jim has laid and also help insure that all of our residents have the opportunity to participate in all of our recreation activities,” Hoffmann said. “Recreation is about more than just team sports or kicking a ball around. We’re looking forward to hearing his input as we bring Westvale [Park] on line.”
Buchheister’s work with a variety of municipalities including Ridgefield, Rutherford, Hackensack, and Teaneck as well as his extensive work with seniors made him an attractive candidate for the position, which garnered over 100 applicants.
The two recreation officials have known each other for years and for the past three weeks with Gwynne’s help, Buchheister has been familiarizing himself with the borough. “I’m trying to soak in 34 years of experience in three weeks,” Buchheister said.
He plans to spend his first six months learning everything he can about the current programs and gather ideas for new ones to begin. “We will do anything we can to provide more leisure services for residents,” he said.
He said he is open to any suggestions for the department residents might have. “If any one has an idea, let me know. If it sounds like a good one, we’ll try it.”
Although Gwynne does not yet know what life after recreation holds for him, he knows Westwood is in good hands. “I wish him all the best and the townspeople all the best,” he said.
Gwynne said he could not think of one favorite memory from his years with the department. “I really don’t think I could pick just one,” he said thoughtfully. “It’s been such a long stretch. It’s really all just a blur right now.”
Megan Burrow's e-mail address is burrow@northjersey.com.
[ back ]
