Johnson County and the state of Kansas recently lost a champion of green space and recreation activities who was instrumental in impacting the quality of life in Johnson County. Former JCPRD Executive Director Gary L. Haller passed away in the early hours of Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. He had retired from the agency in March 2001 after 27 years with JCPRD.
In June of 2002, 17 miles of the Streamway Trail System was renamed to honor Haller. Interpretive signs featuring a portrait of the former director and information about his impact in the field of parks and recreation are located near all eight access points to the trail, which stretches from 119th and Northgate in Olathe to Nelson Island in the Kansas River.