Gary ristow

Gary Ristow has been a dedicated member of The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County Board since 2024. With an extensive background in the field of parks and recreation, he brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of the field. This includes parks management and development, construction and operation of recreation centers, fundraising, recreational programs for people of all ages and abilities and working with community groups and individuals.

Gary is passionate about working with special populations, providing recreational opportunities for individuals of all income levels, providing a wide range of quality outdoor experiences, and creating communities for people to find quality recreational pursuits. He believes in the quality-of-life opportunities provided by a robust parks and recreation program, which aligns perfectly with the mission of The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County. He looks forward to contributing to the Foundation’s goals through volunteering with many aspects of the Foundation.

Gary’s life has been intertwined with the field of parks and recreation and utilizes the varied recreational opportunities in Johnson County and beyond. He enjoys bicycling, cross-country skiing, basketball and hiking. He and his wife Terry enjoy traveling, especially visiting their grandchildren on the east and west coast and visiting Rails to Trails bike paths along the way.  His favorite JCPRD facilities include Shawnee Mission Park and the Gary Haller Trail. He also enjoys various other local trails and the Lenexa Recreation Center. He presently serves as a Johnson County Park & Recreation District Board member.

Gary served as the Parks & Recreation Director for West Carrollton, Ohio for six years. He then served as the Recreation Services Manager for the Columbia (MO) Parks & Recreation Department for more than 22 years where he and his wife Terry raised their three children. He also served for 12 years as the Parks & Recreation Director for Lenexa where he expanded a number of parks and recreational opportunities including the construction of the Lenexa Recreation Center and the Lenexa Farmers Market.  He retired in 2021 after 40+ years in the field.