Ask Kelly Callihan about his professional accomplishments, and he'll tell you about all the people who helped bring those triumphs to light.
That's just the person he is - a "can do" person, according to his friend and colleague Cherry Dowdy, who says Callihan always sees projects through to the end and gives credit where it's due. This quality comes in handy, especially since he handles multiple projects at any given time in his job as Haines City's parks and recreation director, a position he has held for the past 15 years.
Originally from Oregon, Ohio, Callihan moved to Auburndale at age 7. As one of seven children, Callihan knew how to play well with others, and as he grew up, he took advantage of all the parks and recreation activities available in Auburndale.
As a child, he remembers admiring Marvin Wiley, Auburndale's parks and recreation director at the time, along with Wiley's then- assistant, Cindy Hummel.
"As a kid in the city of Auburndale, I participated in a lot of youth activities," says Callihan, 46. "I always enjoyed the outdoor activities, and as a kid, I always thought it was a job I'd like to do."
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A lifeguard sits watching swimmers in the Olympic-sized swimming pool at the new Lake Eva Park aquatic center.
George Aycrigg / News Chief |
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In 1980, Callihan graduated from Auburndale High School. He took some courses at Polk Community College, but it wasn't until three years later that his life took on a new journey.
Shortly after marrying his wife, Hope, Callihan moved to Haines City and began working for the city's recreation department, handling its athletic activities. It was work he enjoyed, as he was responsible for all youth and adult activities.
His years of commendable work in the department did not go unnoticed. After a few years, Callihan was promoted to director.
"I don't think there is anything you can't ask him for help with that he couldn't come through," says Dowdy, Haines City's city clerk. "He's the epitome of a team player."
Dowdy, who has known Callihan for about 15 years, says her colleague excels at sports and enjoys being outside. She says she is close to Callihan and his family, and teases that Callihan is "like one of my sons." She praises his gracious attitude.
"He is the parks and recreation director, but he doesn't have a problem taking on a job and helping other departments," she adds.
About four years after his promotion, Callihan's title expanded to include not only recreation, but parks as well. (The city's parks department was previously handled by Public Works.) Now, he oversees about 47 year-round employees, in addition to about 25 summertime employees for the city's summer programs.
As part of his duties, Callihan assists with the development of many construction projects and renovations, including a new gym and senior center. One of his recent professional accomplishments includes a 28-acre park site on Lake Eva that broke ground in March 2008.
The site, which is now complete, includes the renovation of an existing community center, a pro shop with four tennis courts, two outdoor basketball courts, a band and concert area, fitness areas throughout the park, two large playgrounds and a renovated former National Guard Armory building built in 1923.
In addition, the site includes a new aquatic water center, which features a competition pool, children's activity pool and a splash pad. The water center opened Memorial Day weekend to a crowd of eagerly awaiting families.
A 30,000-square-foot banquet hall, which can be used for special events, conferences, weddings and other events, is also on the grounds.
Callihan says he worked with the project's designers for about three years, and to celebrate its completion, the city will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 4 in connection with its Independence Day celebration, which will include a performance by the Commodores and a fireworks display, among other activities.
"Our goal when we set up to renovate the park was to be able to allow families - the core of our community - a place to bring their kids," he says. "It's nice to see when it's finished these families out using the park."
Haines City's City Manager Ken Sauer recognizes how much the city's parks and recreation department has transformed in the past two decades and of the part Callihan has played in this transformation.
"Not only has he managed the construction project on Lake Eva, but it's what he has done for the parks and recreation department in Haines City that is his greatest accomplishment," says Sauer. "He has brought the parks and recreation department to a new level, and I'm sure he will continue to improve upon it given the new facilities he has to work with."
In his spare time, Callihan enjoys hunting, fishing, taking family vacations to Colorado to snow ski, riding motorcycles, rooting for the University of Florida Gators and spending time with his wife and son, Kyle, 20, who recently graduated from Polk Community College.
