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6 Missouri Parks & Recreation • Spring 2012

Doug Eiken served as the Director of Missouri State Parks from 1994 through 2009. He was the longest serving Director in our state’s history. He was also the longest serving state park director in the nation when you include his 13 years as Director in North Dakota.

While Director, his department was responsible for 83 state park and historic sites, the Outdoor Recreation Assistance Program, and State Historic Preservation Office.

With Eiken as Director, the park system included more than 140,000 acres and had a budget in excess of $44 million, with a staff of more than 730.

As director for Missouri State Parks he is noted for many accomplishments. A few of those are:

• The Park system was a finalist 5 times in the NRPA Gold Medal State Parks Awards Program.

• Passing the renewal of the Parks and Soils Sales Tax twice with 2/3 majority vote.

• Developed a system of public input through user surveys and informational meetings to meet visitors needs. This led to a 97% visitor satisfaction rating.

• Added six new state parks and historic sites.• Worked on the development and implementation of the

Landmark Local Parks Program. During the five year program, 87 communities received $21 million for projects.

• Developed a department that has had significant economic impact on Missouri’s citizens.

Since retiring Doug has worked part time as the executive director of NASORLO (National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers) and helped to lead an effort to secure adequate federal funding for LWCF and the Recreational Trails Program.

Doug also teaches part-time for the University of Missouri-Columbia Parks Recreation & Tourism department.

As you know the Hall of Fame is not just about what you did while working your normal job, but also what you have done above and beyond that has had an impact on MPRA and our state.

Some of Doug’s “above and beyond” includes:• Served as president, vice president, secretary and

treasurer of the National Association of State Park Directors. (NASPD)

• He served on the NASPD Board of Regents and helped develop the State Park Leadership School and taught several classes.

• Served as president, vice president, and secretary on the Board of NASORLO. Served as executive director of the Missouri Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission and helped to coordinate this state and nation wide event.

• Represented Missouri on the Mississippi River Parkway Commission and helped coordinate this multi-state effort.

• Represented Missouri as the Alternate State Liaison Officer to the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation fund.

• Represented Missouri State Parks on the Missouri Park and Recreation Association Board.

• Doug has also received the MPRA Associate Fellow Award.

Congratulations, Doug, on being inducted into the Missouri Recreation

and Parks Hall of Fame!

Missouri Recreation and Parks 2012

Hall of Fame Inductee Doug Eiken

Linda Bruer, Chair of the Hall of Fame Committeee, with Eiken

Hall of Fame Inductee Doug Eiken with his son Tim (L) and his wife Dorothy

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Aquatics Outstanding Young Professional

Winner: SJ Idel (L) Nominator: Janel Twehous (R)As an employee of the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department since the age of 15, SJ Idel has made a positive impact on the safety, marketing, and financial condition of the city. In addition

to overseeing six aquatic facilities, three concession stands, and supervising management staff, SJ also takes care of staff meetings, in-service trainings, and new program development. His creative and fun approach to training has kept his staff engaged and focused, resulting in higher quality staff performance.

SJ’s interest in technology spawns many new ideas for both the aquatics department and the parks and recreation department as a whole. His contributions to the marketing campaign and use of social media have spread the department’s messages in multiple formats.

SJ’s initiatives in the area of department performance and re-adjusting schedules for future years will potentially reduce costs for Columbia. SJ has been actively involved in the Northeast Region and Aquatic Section since 2007, serving as secretary of the Aquatics Section from 2010-2011.

SJ’s experience, willingness to listen, and enthusiasm with staff and patrons creates a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience for all visitors of Columbia’s numerous aquatic facilities.

Sports Excellence in Service

Winner: Kerri Gates (L) Nominator: Angie Toebben (R)

Kerri Gates has worked in the field of parks and recreation for eight years. As an intern for Jefferson City in 2005, Kerri willingly assisted with many programs and events, seeking out projects to work on and going out of

her way to assist others. Hired on part-time after her internship, she worked at the ice arena in the winter; day camps during the summer. In 2006 Kerri accepted a Sports Coordinator position with the City of Willard and was promoted to Director the next year.

Kerri returned to Jefferson City Parks and Recreation in 2009 as a Recreation Specialist focused on youth sports and the ice arena. Always a team player, she excels at multi-tasking, has a vast knowledge of sports, and communicates regularly with her supervisors. Even at her busiest times, Kerri will lend a hand to others in the department when asked. Her cheery disposition is a wonderful asset when dealing with upset patrons and parents.

Kerri is a Certified Youth Sports Administrator and Certified Park and Recreation Professional. She takes her job to heart and shows passion for what she does. In overseeing her programs and staff, she makes sure everything is running as smoothly as possible. Her knowledge and foresight allows her to enhance the youth sports program, never hesitating to handle complicated issues when they arise.

Sports Outstanding Volunteer CoachWinner: Howard Sher

Nominator: Elizabeth HickoxHoward Sher has coached many sports teams for the City of Clayton in the Youth Sports League over the past eight years. His passion, dedication, and support are a tremendous asset.

Howard goes above and beyond normal volunteer coach’s duties. He abides by the Youth League Philosophy, promoting teamwork, player development, good sportsmanship, and above all, having fun. He understands that youth coaches are role models, and embraces that role.

Demonstrating great leadership qualities, he is an excellent communicator with not only the league supervisor and his team, but also other coaches and officials. Howard is not shy in leading his team through well-planned practices and game day strategies.

Over the past eight years, multiple seasons, and countless practices and games, Howard has given more than just his time to the City of Clayton Youth Sports Leagues. When Howard’s oldest son was in kindergarten there was no basketball league or program in place for children that age. Howard, being the ambitious go-getter that he is, decided to get one started. The City of Clayton’s Athletic & Facilities Department was more than happy to assist him accomplish this goal. Howard took the lead, rounding up both players and volunteer parents to ensure the demand was there for such a program. The first year was a success and the program continues to this day, growing in numbers every season.

Support Staff AwardWinner: Louise Marcolla (R)

Louise Marcolla joined the Kirk-wood Parks and Recreation depart-ment in 1993.

In her capacity as Office Man-ager she is responsible for not only the administrative responsibilities of the office and management of the front desk, but she is in charge of reserving facilities at the Kirkwood

Community Center, including a 400-seat theater, a number of meeting rooms and two gymnasiums.

Louise has seamlessly handled two very disruptive facility recon-struction projects that required creative logistical ability and a great attitude. These projects involved the administrative offices as well as each room, gym and theater in the center. She handled relocating and placating the user groups in a tremendous and caring fashion as well as the office staff.

She also transitioned the office into the 21st century with imple-mentation of the first computer software for facility reservation and program registration.

Community groups and former co-workers express many thoughts of appreciation for Louise, including this one:

“Perhaps the greatest asset she has as an employee is her sunny disposition and willingness to do whatever it takes to not only get the job done but also to contribute to the overall success of the department.”

Nominator: Michael Biedenstein (L)

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are grateful for his many contributions – not the least of which is elevating tie-dying to an art form, and passing it on to future generations at the annual fall student workshops!

We wish him the very best in the future, and will count on his continuing involvement with MPRA and our profession. He has agreed to serve on the Hall of Fame Committee, so we know he’ll be around! Charlie also received the Park & Natural Resource Distinguished Service Award. Michael nominated him for that, as well.

Winner: Tommy Burnett (R)Nominator: Keith Ernce (L)

Dr. Tommy Burnett has had a long and successful 40-year career at Missouri State University that included 20-years in administrative leadership as Department Head of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department. He was the first faculty member hired at Missouri State University with a degree in Recreation. The program now includes five fulltime faculty, and has successfully earned NPRA Accreditation, retaining that status for over 20 consecutive years.

During his career he mentored and taught hundreds of recreation majors who went on to excel and earn their own levels of outstanding achievement at State and National levels. His students include City Parks and Recreation Directors across the State of Missouri and beyond, multiple MPRA Presidents and an

NRPA President. His organization and administration of Recreation and Leisure studies course has been cited more highly than any other course in the major’s curriculum over the last 20 years in post internship evaluations as “the most valuable and beneficial class the students ever took,” serving as an administrative skills training ground. NRPA Accreditation visitation teams (representing other University recreation faculty and park practitioners) have lauded the delivery and facilitation of this class as a model course, encouraging Dr. Burnett to publish his program as a premier course in parks and recreation organization and administration. Whether or not this is how Dr. Burnett spends his free time, many of today’s Missouri professionals got their start on the path of leadership in Park and Recreation as part of the “City of TOBO.”

Winner: Roscoe RighterNominator: Pam Buck (L)

Randy Cooper (R)Roscoe Righter retired as Director of Blue Springs Parks, Recreation, Buildings and Grounds in September, 2011. He served the City of Blue Springs in this capacity as the first and only director since 1979. As the director, he oversaw the highly utilized and widely recognized parks system including 19 parks consisting of 816 acres of land and an annual budget of five million dollars. Prior to Blue Springs, Roscoe served as the first Director of Parks and Recreation for Sedalia, Missouri from 1976 to 1979, for a total of just over 37 years of public service.

Roscoe has been involved from his grad school days with MPRA serving on and chairing various committees as an executive board member, Secretary, Vice-President, then President from 1992-93. He received the Fellow Award in 1989. He chaired the MPRA Trust Fund and Kansas City MPRA annual golf tournaments for numerous years. Roscoe served as advisor to the Student Section and has chaired the MPRA state conference. He has served on and continues to serve on the Hall of Fame committee. In 1998 he challenged the MPRA membership to fund the purchase of the first and current home for MPRA. Chairing the fund-raising committee, over $300,000 was raised. Then, in 2003, he offered to shave his head at the conference if the membership raised the last $17,000 for the building fund. This resulted in a bald head and $27,500 in donations, leading to the purchase and dedication in 2004.

Roscoe has served for several decades on the Mid-America Regional Council Open Space Committee and then the Transportation Enhancement Committee. He was a co-founder of the Kansas City Area Directors Association. He has also served on the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Advisory Council for many years.

10 Missouri Parks & Recreation • Spring 2012

Musco ScholarshipWinner: Michael Haynes,

St. Louis County Parks and Recreation

Michael started out as a Recreation Facility Coordinator at the North County Recreation Complex and has since worked his way up to a Recreation Supervisor at the

Affton Community Center. His everyday duties include planning, scheduling, marketing, and implementing various programs, classes, and events at the community center but at other parks throughout the county. Specific programs include team building activities for St. Louis County Parks, scheduling all athletic fields throughout the county parks, and running much of the social media for St. Louis County Parks and Affton Community Center.

Musco GivebackWinner: Scott (R) & Penny Williams (L)

Nominator: Julia Thompson (C) Scott and Penny Williams – tireless and dedicated Parks and Recreation Professionals who also happen to be married with two wonderful children, Julia

and Nicholas… and have worked for the City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department for over 20 years: are being recognized for their outstanding commitment to provide quality recreational experiences for individuals and families with special needs. The Southeast Missouri region is rich in parks and recreation opportunities and over 1.100 families in the area have benefitted through the selfless commitment of these two individuals who dedicate their time, talent and treasures to ensure that youth and adults of all abilities can enjoy sports, socialization, motor skills enhancement and just plain FUN! Through their efforts, not only has the City of Cape Girardeau been able to offer great programs for people with special needs year round, but for the past 4 years, Cape has had the privilege to host the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships. That means over 700 athletes in the Fall and over 300 athletes in the Spring, who come from 14 counties in Missouri. Through numerous local and district events, these individuals have an opportunity to be active, healthy and engaged in positive recreational experiences. This in turn results in a fantastic economic impact for the City and County - the business community anxiously looks forward to these events and supports Special Olympics throughout the year. All of this would not have been possible without the efforts of Scott and Penny.

New Professional Award

Winner: Andrew Carr (L)Nominator: Janet SnookPresenter: Steve Rulo (R)

His co-workers were a little nervous when they learned this new college-

graduate would be coming to work for the department, fearing that he would be overwhelmed by the incredible amount of work the small team is required to manage. Their fears turned out to be unfounded. Andy is one of the hardest working staff members in the City, arriving at work each day with a positive team-friendly attitude.

His direct supervisor, when asked to describe the impact Andy Carr has had on the City of Raymore’s Parks Division, can only say, “He has done a ton. I just don’t think I can adequately describe it.”In only two years, Andy has improved the condition of the turf on the department’s ball fields and public grounds, utilizing the newest technology available in setting up routine aerating, seeding, and chemical applications. Andy has designed new landscaping beds and renovated existing flower beds in parks around the City, including the some of the most highly visible locations in town, the beds at City Hall, Memorial Park, and several median islands. He has been entrusted with the new beds planted in the roundabout entry to Recreation Park and its splitter islands.

Andy’s work ethic has challenged other team members to step up their game, improving both speed and quality of work. His strong leadership quality shines when left in charge of the seasonal park staff to complete projects under his leadership. Those projects are often completed sooner than required and with a great attention to every detail. Plus, the staff comes away from the projects with a sense of pride in the accomplishment.

Andy’s combination of drive, enthusiasm, team-orientation, and knowledge has made him an extremely valuable member of the Raymore Parks’ Team.

Citation – IndividualWinner: Bill Gardner (R)

Nominator: Cindy Springer (L)To Bill Gardner, volunteering is a way of life. He has been involved with the O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Department for approximately 20 years. Name an event: Bill has worked it. In 2005, the City starting tracking volunteer hours, and his total is over

1,700. Volunteering led him to become involved as a member of O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Board, then he was elected as a Councilman, now in his 2nd term. If there is an event or project needing assistance, Bill Gardner will be there. You can see him raising money by jumping into Lake St. Louis in February, climbing thousands of stairs and running across the state. He builds fences, creates Christmas scenes and more. There is nothing he wouldn’t do to provide ways for people to experience parks and recreation.

Citation – Organization

Winner: Enshriners of KCMO

Nominator: Mark BowlandThe Enshriners are a group of

business men who have come together to sponsor many different events and projects in Kansas City, Missouri. Under the leadership of former Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Ollie W. Gates, the

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citizens and the City have benefitted from this group of dedicated gentlemen. The Enshriners never sit still. They are constantly looking for ways to improve our community. The death of Bruce R. Watkins in September 1980, one of the most influential political figures in Kansas City, left a leadership void in the black community and the entire city. His memory inspired others to take up where he left off. This small group came together late in Watkins’ life. Their original mission was to help liquidate the debt left over from the “Watkins for Mayor’’ campaign held in 1979. Bruce’s death caused them to coalesce and begin focusing on community needs and specific projects. Since then they have been responsible for raising and contributing approximately $1,000,000 to parks and recreation projects. The Enshriners continue to provide service and substantial monetary contributions for many projects. Most recently, they made possible the dedication of five memorial benches along Brush Creek. One of the benches was dedicated to the late Terry R. Dopson, past Director of the KCMO Parks and Recreation department and a long-time member of MPRA and NRPA. This organization has contributed many hours of personal time to secure financial contributions to the City of Kansas City, specifically to the parks and recreation department, and for over twenty years has made an outstanding contribution in promoting quality recreation.

Citation – Organization Winner: Roanoke Park Conservancy

Nominator: Forest Decker

The Roanoke Park Conservancy formed

informally in 2009 with residents of the Coleman Highlands, Roanoke, Valentine and Volker neighborhoods wishing to improve Roanoke Park in western Kansas City. Roanoke Park’s wooded areas had begun to be over-run by invasive non-native Bush Honeysuckle. The residents of the surrounding neighborhood formed a working group that began meeting each Saturday to remove the honeysuckle. This evolved into a more formal group that began discussing the long-term future of the park, which led to a formal master plan for the entire park in spring, 2011. This master plan was adopted by the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation in 2011. In the fall of 2011, the group formally formed a 501(c)(3) group, officially called the Roanoke Park Conservancy. The Conservancy then began a campaign for donations to implement phases of the master plan. To date, the Conservancy has raised $10,000 for construction of a viewing and seating area that is identified on the master plan.

The Roanoke Park Conservancy, partnering with Kansas City Parks and Recreation, has been a strong advocate for invasive-species removal, and for sustainable native plantings in Roanoke Park. This included honeysuckle removal, re-planting and reclamation in areas that were previously ecological dead-zones. Together, they also conducted public meetings during the master planning process, and have formally adopted the plan that was largely produced by the neighborhood group.

In December, 2011, the Roanoke Park Conservancy was awarded a Preservation Award by the Historic Kansas City Foundation for its efforts to restore the woodlands of Roanoke Park.

Citation – Organization

Winner: Cumulus RadioCumulus Representative:

Chris Kellogg (R)Nominator: Karen Ramey (L)

The Cumulus Radio Group is a company that manages eight radio sta-tions in the central Missouri area. As a highly valued partner for Columbia

Parks and Recreation for many years, the value of its sponsorship has totaled over $70,000.

One station, KPLA 101.5, was an original sponsor for the Family Fun Fest and has continued to sponsor every year since. The station has also supported other events such as the Outdoor Movies, Annual Heritage Festival, and Tiger Night of Fun Halloween event. Without KPLA 101.5’s support, these events would not be the success they are. Their support includes live on-site remotes, advertisements, and website promotion. The family friendly radio station has a wide range of listeners and partnering with them has increased event participation immensely. The staff members are always friendly, helpful and wonderful to work with.

KFRU 1400 AM has also been a great partner for many years. The news station has provided numerous opportunities for interviews to promote events and programs as well as information about the park system. Recently, the station has offered a weekly radio show called Parks & Recreation. This has been valuable and allows in-depth discussions during the 30 minute show. KFRU also sponsors the Annual Heritage Festival.

BXR 102.3, along with KFRU, sponsors the Annual 4th of July “Fire in the Sky” event. After a private company was no longer able to manage this event, Columbia Parks and Recreation took charge. The department did not have funding in place for the show but Cumulus quickly agreed to support the event with financial and in-kind donations.

Columbia Parks and Recreation truly values the partnership with the Cumulus Radio Group and is excited to honor them with the MPRA Citation Award for their avid support or parks and recreation in our community.

Citation – Organization Winner: Friends of

Wentzville Parks- Representative for FOWP, Dan Berg (R)

Nominator: Dottie PhillipsPresenter: Mary Jo Dessieux (L)

There are always a lot of people who look at a need and say, “Someone should do something.” Sometimes, there are a few people who follow up by actually doing something.It’s no secret that Wentzville’s growth has outpaced its Parks and Recreation amenities. The problem has been finding sufficient funding to both develop and maintain the city’s facilities. In 2008, a group of concerned residents saw the need and decided to do what they could to help. They organized Friends of the Wentzville Parks, and on January 31, 2009, the organization was officially

14 Missouri Parks & Recreation • Spring 2012

You Asked for It . . . 1. News you can use! Information that will help you in

your day to day work, or in your special challenges – putting together a budget that will keep your head above water and your customers safe and happy. The Did You Know campaign has given almost 20 agencies the tools they need to “tell the story” about the values – tangible and otherwise – of parks and recreation.

2. Higher-level professional members have requested some education content aimed at their world – once you are “promoted” from the front lines of parks and recreation (where most of us actually didn’t mind being), it’s a whole different ball game: local politics, volunteer boards, human resource challenges, serious budget work, public relations, risk management. So we have begun planning an Executive Forum designed just for the top two or three professionals in a department. The first Forum is tentatively scheduled for September in the Kansas City area, and will be a joint effort with KRPA, our Kansas counterpart. Watch for details coming soon!

3. Additional education opportunities that do not require travel – and are affordable! In April we completed our series on Customer Service presentation by former Disney Executive Dennis Snow – all given via the web, reasonably priced, with one registration allowed per department but no limit to the number of participants. The feedback has been great – keep us informed as to the content that would be helpful for you in the future.

4. A return to the original purpose of the Facility Design and Management School – based on feedback from our leaders and corporate supporters, FDMS is back – and the registration fee has been significantly reduced. In addition, we are offering a smokin’ discount for students, who can benefit (for credit) from this unique opportunity to be exposed to the real world of planning and running a facility.

5. A Fitness Section! After feedback from last year’s conference, we are expecting a formal application from MPRA’s newest special interest group, the Fitness and Wellness Section. Thanks to Steve Clark and the initial volunteer leaders, this group will soon be able to communicate among themselves and help each other solve their unique challenges.

6. More “applied” education – targeted workshops that will directly serve specific areas, like aquatics, building maintenance, turf management, etc. We have already offered several of these and there are plans in the works for more in the upcoming year. Watch for details on that, too.

Craig ShelleyMPRA Intern

As a Parks, Recreation, & Tourism major, completing my internship with MPRA (1/3-3/23/2012) was an invaluable experience. I have learned a great deal about the field of parks and recreation and having networked with professionals through MPRA, I now know that I have chosen the correct career path. To all of those professionals that I have met and worked with along my internship journey, I would like to thank you for your time in welcoming me into such a rewarding profession. Jan, Gary, Amanda, and Monica have been nothing short of spectacular throughout my internship. They all welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I was a member of their staff. This was a wonderful experience for me and my career.

Missouri Amputee Golf TournamentThe third annual Missouri Amputee Golf Tournament will be held at Lake of the Woods Golf Course in Columbia, Missouri on September 21-23, 2012. There is a Friday Scramble open to all golfers with many door prizes available after the “open” 18 hole

scramble. Competition continues for amputee golfers on Saturday and Sunday with a banquet on Saturday night. In 2011, golfers came from Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Florida, Kansas and Minnesota. For further information contact Richard Schatzer (573) 796-4592 or e-mail rschatz@centurylink.net or call Jerry Hitzhusen at (573) 864-5678.

22 Missouri Parks & Recreation • Spring 2012

Raymore Parks and Recreation’s newest instructional program for kids, “Nature Quest,” aims to reintroduce today’s technology-engrossed youth to the simple joys of nature that can only be found by venturing outdoors. This program is also a great way to remind our residents about the parks and trails systems here in Raymore and the surrounding KC metro area.

This program kicked off in September 2011 and encourages children between five and 15 years old to discover the natural world found in the Raymore parks and trail systems. Nature Quest meets the second Monday of the month, September through May, and operates like a club, allowing interested children to enroll in the program at any time throughout the year.

At the inaugural meeting, Nature Quest participants became acquainted with the three natural ecosystems – pond, forest and prairie – found in Recreation Park and learned about the transformation of larvae into caterpillars and locusts through a hands-on demonstration. After some exploring, the children also located and compared bird nest building techniques.

During the year, guest speakers have come from the South Grand River Watershed Alliance to teach water conservation, Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation to teach youth hunting and firearm safety, and the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center to teach kids about “art of nature.” The February weather was exceptional for the field trip to the Lakeside Nature Center in Swope Park. In April, the members will learn about Arbor Day, identifying trees and how to correctly plant a tree. Another field trip will be to the Burr Oaks Woods Nature Center to hike their trails. In May, the group will have a fishing class at Raymore’s Recreation Park pond.

Throughout the year, the Raymore Parks and Recreation staff, Superintendent Steve Rulo, Recreation Coordinator Nathan Musteen and Recreation Coordinator Jerri Lynn Keith also teach classes on various activities, such as the “life cycle” that included dissecting owl pellets and encouraging animal habitats close to home by building bird & bats boxes and suet feeders for winter.

For more details on the Nature Quest program, including enrollment information, call the Parks office at 816-322-2791 or visit www.raymore.com/NatureQuest online.

Grace Kennedy makes a suet feeder

Wendy Parrett with the Anita B Gorman Discovery Center

Jeremy Soucy with the MDC

Nature Quest Program Reintroduces Children to the

Great Outdoors

www.mopark.org 23

Sand Volleyball in HannibalThe Hannibal Parks and Recreation department is starting up leagues for its new sand volleyball courts, on Southside Recreation Area No. 1, high above Mo. Hwy. 79, which runs along the Mississippi River.

Two little-used tennis courts were converted into lighted sand volleyball courts last fall. The asphalt court served as a base for 900 tons of sand. Norfolk and Southern Railroad donated about 60 railroad ties to hold the sand in place.

Andy Dorian, director of Hannibal Parks & Recreation, said he had been continually asked about providing sand volleyball courts.

The tennis courts were built in the 1970s. In recent years the courts have not been equipped with nets. “We decided not to reinvest in those courts since there are several tennis courts around town to use,” said Dorian. “There’s been a lot of talk on how best to use the space. Putting in sand volleyball courts allowed us to offer something new.”

While the park features a parking area and small pavilion, its most appealing attribute is its lights. “A lighted area is very beneficial to us,” said Dorian. “It will allow us to offer leagues in the spring, summer and fall.”

GREAT RIVERS GREENWAY ELECTS NEW OFFICERS;

APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Great Rivers Greenway District, which is leading the development of the region-wide system of high-quality greenways, parks and trails known as The River Ring, recently announced that four new members have been appointed to its board of directors, which has elected four officers to lead the board for the next year. Representing the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County, Great Rivers Greenway’s 12-member board of directors oversees the distribution of funds for developing the River Ring and supports Great Rivers Greenway’s mission to create a green, clean and connected St. Louis region.

Responding to the 2010 Census results, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann and Mayor Francis Slay of St. Louis met as required by state law to determine how to reallocate board members. They decided that the District would add a board member from St. Charles County and St. Louis County, accounting for two of the four new members on the board.

New St. Charles County board members are Patrick Sullivan, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri, and Julie Mueller, Vice President and COO of Lindenwood University. New St. Louis County representatives include Carol Klein, board member of the Audubon Center at Riverlands and retired President of KleinLines Marketing Communications, and Carol Stroker, Realtor with Prudential Select and member of the Hazelwood City Council, the North County Chamber of Commerce and the Florissant Valley Kiwanis Club.

Great Rivers Greenway board members also elected four new officers, including its new president, Robert Epstein. In his new position Epstein, who resides in Clayton and is an attorney at Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, L.C., will preside over monthly board meetings and provide organizational direction. The three other newly elected officers include:

• Vice President – Dr. Bernard DuBray, of St. Peters, Superintendent of the Fort Zumwalt School District

• Secretary – Mike Murray, of St. Louis City, retired President of Stewart-Warner Corp.

• Treasurer – Monica Huddleston, Mayor of Greendale in St. Louis County

For more information about Great Rivers Greenway, its board of directors or the River Ring, visit www.grgstl.org.

August 6-8, 2012Recreation Facility Design & Management School

St. Louis, Missouri

September, 2012 - Executive Forum

September 19-21, 2012Lyle B. Beaver Leadership Development Institute

St. Charles County, Missouri

October, 2012 - NRPA Congress

October 9-10, 2012Aquatic Facility Operator Course

Lee’s Summit, MO

November 13-15, 2012Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course

North Kansas City, Missouri

coming up...

www.mopark.org 27

The Springfield Greene-County Park Board dedicated the new Jordan Valley Maintenance Office Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.

The two-story 7,308-square-foot building houses Jordan Valley Park maintenance staff and equipment as well as a Park Ranger office and Jordan Valley Park staff. The building serves park patrons with restrooms and an outdoor seating deck with a sweeping view of Jordan Valley. In the future, the building will also house a refreshment service area.

“We needed a maintenance facility with access to Jordan Valley Park and the greenway trail, but we also wanted to have a shared public function,” said Jeff Cumley, Jordan Valley Park Manager. “The seating area and refreshment service will provide a great stopping place along the trail.”

The energy-efficient building is designed to meet LEED-Silver Certification. The architect was Chris Swan with Butler Rosenbury & Partners. General contractor was Larry Snyder and Company, Jennifer Baker, project manager.

The $1.4 million facility was funded through the City of Springfield’s ¼-cent Capital Improvements Program Sales Tax, approved by voters in 2007.

The new structure replaces the temporary maintenance facility, a building more than 115 years old located on Phelps

Street, in the Jordan Creek floodplain. The building has flooded twice since 2007, causing extensive damage to mowers and other maintenance equipment inside.

For more information, call Jeff Cumley, Jordan Valley Park Manager, at 417-837-5710; or Jenny Fillmer Edwards, Springfield-Greene County Park Board Public Information Administrator, at 417-874-2176 or 417-224-5510.

New Maintenance Office for Springfield-Greene County

Park Board

The 13th Annual Ozark Greenways Adventure Race returns to the Ozarks Saturday, May 12. This year’s multisport race is headquartering out of Ozark Greenways’ Willard Trailhead on the Frisco Highline Trail.

The Adventure Race offers a short-course (3-4 hours) or a long course (6-10 hours) for two- or four-person teams competing together in mountain biking, running, canoeing, orienteering and more. The real adventure is in the itinerary and race distances, kept secret until the morning of the race.

The event is popular among regional “weekend warriors” and has attracted team members from 25 states, as far away as California, Montana, New Hampshire and Florida. It's also the largest annual fundraiser for Springfield's trail network.

Register now for the 13th Annual Ozark Greenways Adventure Race

Adventure Race - 2009

Registration open online now and closes May 6.

Registration fees are:

Long Course: $115/person March 1- April 19, $140/person April 20- May 6

short Course: $60/person March 1- April 19, $85/person April 20- May 6

Volunteers are needed and spectators are encouraged. Race details, volunteer information, photos and videos are available online at ozarkgreenways.org or greenwayrace.org.

For more information, contact:Lori Tack, Program Coordinator,

Ozark Greenways, (417) 429-8716