Mozingo Lake
Recreation Park
Cabins with a lake view!
Building A Dream: The Better Together Playground Project A positive impact on the community of Willard. Page 20 On the Cover:
Aurora – Forward into the Unknown Community builds their first recreation and event center.
Page 18
Backed by a dealer network local to your area, Sport Court, the market leader in outdoor modular sport surfaces, provides safe, durable, attractive pickleball, basketball, and multi-use courts. Sport Court surfaces provide authentic play and optimal performance, and can elevate the look of your facility grounds to provide an outdoor recreation area that members of all ages will enjoy.
Sport Court of St. Louis is a local company that will support you every step of the way from planning your court to final installation.
To learn more visit www.sportcourtstlouis.com or call 636-451-0400.
MPRA Board President
First and foremost, if your summer was anything like most that I have experienced while working in parks and recreation, congratulations. You guys made it through another busy season and have learned a few things that will improve your operations for next year. I am excited to move into the fall season and enjoy the cooler weather, slower paced days, and most of all football season. As we transition into fall, MPRA is offering several training opportunities, different region activities, and gearing up for the annual conference in February.
MPRA has several great continuing education, networking, and leadership roles available. If you are not familiar with what is available, please do not hesitate to reach out to those who may be more “seasoned” (I didn’t say old) in this field. We all started out in the same general space and have developed relationships and continue to expand our knowledge base through the great opportunities that are presented in our profession.
SEPTEMBER 26
REGION 4 LUNCH & LEARN
Des Peres, MO
Join the Southeast Region for a lunch and learn with business writing speaker Tom Drabelle from the City of O’Fallon.
OCTOBER 1
REGION 2 LUNCH & LEARN
Columbia, MO
A Q&A session with students in the Academic Planning and Career Orientation and Personnel Management and Leadership classes along with lunch, region meeting and tour.
OCTOBER 8
NRPA CONFERENCE
Atlanta, GA
For more than 50 years, the NRPA Annual Conference has been the premier meeting of the park and recreation community.
I want to see new professionals get as involved in MPRA as you can: develop relationships with people who you see at region events, training events, and annual conference. In the same thought process, I want to see experienced professionals’ mentor the next generation: develop relationships with people you see in the field, encourage them to contact you with questions, and bounce ideas off one another. If we want to see this field grow and continue to make a positive impact in each region and the state of Missouri, it starts with each of you. Make the impacts in your community and develop those relationships to help grow the passion that each of you has for parks and recreation. I hope you all have a fantastic fall and cannot wait to see what the future holds for us all.
For an up to date schedule and more details, visit www.mopark.org/events
OCTOBER 15-16
AQUATIC FACILITY OPERATOR COURSE
Lee’s Summit, MO
Registration deadline is September 13, 2024.
OCTOBER 23-24
KRPA/MPRA EXECUTIVE FORUM Overland Park, KS
OCTOBER 24
REGION 4 SUMMER CAMP SUMMIT Ballwin, MO
Join fellow summer camp professionals from around the region as we recap your summers, moderated by Caitlyne McGarrity.
NOVEMBER 6-8
CERTIFIED PLAYGROUND SAFETY
INSPECTORS COURSE Belton, MO
Deadline to register is October 4, 2024.
NOVEMBER 1
MPRA CONFERENCE & EXPO STUDENT & MEMBERS ONLY EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION OPENS
Early bird rates end January 10, 2025.
NOVEMBER 14
REGION 4 CONFERENCE Maryland Heights, MO
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your career in the field, this event will inspire, educate, and rejuvenate your passion for parks and recreation.
NOVEMBER 15
REGION 1 LUNCH & LEARN
Blue Springs, MO
NOVEMBER 18
MPRA CONFERENCE & EXPO DELEGATE & EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION OPENS
Early bird rates end January 10, 2025.
NOVEMBER 21
REGION 3 LUNCH & LEARN Nixa, MO
DECEMBER 5
LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP
Jefferson City, MO
Want to learn how MPRA serves as your voice at the Capitol? We will show you that and more including ways you can get involved.
DECEMBER 6
MPRA BOARD MEETING Jefferson City, MO
DECEMBER 12
REGION 2 MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP
Columbia, MO
Brings together like-minded parks maintenance professionals from around the state for a day of education and networking you won’t want to miss!
FEBRUARY 18-21, 2025
MPRA CONFERENCE & EXPO Branson, MO
Visit www.mopark.org/conference/ for updated information.
MANAGING EDITORS
Gary Gates, CPRP
Executive Director gary@mopark.org
Sarah Veile, CPRP
Assistant Executive Director sarah@mopark.org
Heather Rice
Membership and Marketing Specialist heather@mopark.org
Missouri Parks & Recreation ©2024
The official publication of the Missouri Park and Recreation Association, an affiliate of the National Recreation and Park Association. The magazine is included in annual membership dues.
WE NEED YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS!
Missouri Parks & Recreation magazine is composed, in large part, from submitted articles and photos. We rely on your input to produce a successful publication.
Please send articles, news, and highresolution photos to Heather Rice at heather@mopark.org
DEADLINES
Winter 2025 - November 8, 2024
Spring 2025 - March 7, 2025 Summer 2025 - June 6, 2025
ADVERTISING
For more information regarding advertising please contact MPRA at (573)636-3828 or heather@mopark.org.
PLEASE NOTE Editorial and contents of this magazine reflect the records of the Missouri Park and Recreation Association (MPRA). MPRA has done their best to provide useful and accurate information, but please take into account that some information does change. MPRA takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information printed, inadvertent omissions, printing errors, nor do they endorse products and services. We take no responsibility regarding representations or warranties concerning the content of advertisements of products/services for a particular use, including all information, graphics, copyrighted materials, and assertions included in the advertisements. The reader is advised to independently check all information before basing decisions on such information.
2024 Cover Photo Winner, submitted by Alyssa Rohlfsen, Mozingo Lake Recreation Park. Photo credit: Nic Barnes; Barnes Studios
The Musco Lighting Building 2018 William Street Jefferson City, MO 65109-1186
P: (573) 636-3828
www.mopark.org
Mark Pettit has joined the St. Joseph Parks and Recreation team as the Park Project Manager. Mark’s engineering background is an excellent asset to the department as he helps with parks and facility projects. He enjoys working with his new team and experiencing the park system.
St. Joseph Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the hire of Jeremy Weiss as the new Fairview Golf Course Manager. Jeremy brings years of experience to the team, and the teamwork and comradery bring him joy in his new position.
Aurora Parks and Recreation Department welcomes Anthony Finzo as Recreation Center Director. Anthony spent the last six years at Evangel University, initially as the Mabee Fitness Center Manager and then as the Campus Recreation Coordinator. He has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science (EU, ‘15) and a master’s in organizational leadership (EU, ‘21). In June 2024, he was selected as the new Recreation Center Director for Aurora, a facility the city plans to open in early 2025. “I am excited to be a part of this new facility here in Aurora, and we believe that this venue, in addition to our current parks, will help the community continue to connect, grow, and move forward.”
The Sedalia Parks and Recreation Department welcomes John Simmons to the team as the new Grant Facilitator and Data Analyst. John brings a wealth of experience and expertise in grant writing and community development, making him a valuable addition. John’s career is marked by a distinguished tenure as the Community Development Director for the City of Sedalia, a role he held from July 2006 to July 2024. John coordinated an impressive $750 million in new commercial and residential development during this period. His responsibilities included directing retail recruitment, spearheading downtown redevelopment, supervising code enforcement and building maintenance departments, and overseeing planning and zoning. Notably, he created three comprehensive plans that have shaped the city’s growth and development. In addition to his work in community development, John has served as President of the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation, promoting the rich cultural heritage of ragtime music. He is also a Certified Main Street Manager, reflecting his dedication to preserving and revitalizing historic downtown areas. John’s extensive background and proven track record in community development and grant facilitation will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of Sedalia Parks and Recreation.
Hannah Isgriggs has worked for St. Louis County Parks and Recreation as the Recreation Facility Coordinator at the Affton Community Center since April. Her favorite part of her job is creating programs for children in the community.
AJ Brown has been with St. Louis County Parks and Recreation for 11 years and was recently promoted to West District Manager. His family loves going to parks to have fun, and he is excited that that is exactly where he gets to work. AJ takes great pride and has a lot of fun making each person’s experience more enjoyable when they visit one of St. Louis County’s sites. He has also enjoyed working alongside great staff who share the dedication and pride that make the work environment a great place.
Travis White has long been a lover of public parks, and his passion has only grown since moving to the St. Louis area in 2017 and getting to experience the diverse array of parks the county offers. He considered working in parks and recreation a dream job and was ecstatic to find a role in the St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Department. His favorite parts about his new role as Office Services Coordinator are helping other citizens to enjoy the parks better, and he loves learning the fun history and intricacies of the many great county parks.
Joe Murphy started with St. Louis County Parks and Recreation in 2019 at Suson Park. His first job was taking care of the animals at Suson Farm, and he eventually learned how to operate the big mowers and tractors used to cut pastures and relocate large items around the farm. Joe was also instructed on how to use different hydraulic equipment, such as the tool-cat and skid steer. He recently started working at Kennedy in 2022 and has since learned how to build and break down an entire ice rink. The ice resurfacing machine operation came quickly due to previous tractor experience. During the summer of 2024, Joe was educated on pool start-up and eventually earned a CPO title. He enjoys working for St. Louis County because the work environment includes a network of people who have a passion for nature and the beautification of the community. Joe agrees that it is nice to work on different projects and have an array of tasks, so his job isn’t too linear. He tends to do something a little different each day.
Sean Grady was hired as Maintenance Worker I with St. Louis County Parks and Recreation in June 2024. He enjoys the variety of daily tasks that keep him busy. Sean and his team keep things moving while maintaining the park’s beauty. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and nature walks with his family.
Joe Montgomery has been an employee of St. Louis County Parks and Recreation for 18 years. He was recently promoted to Maintenance Manager at Jefferson Barracks Park. Joe loves working for St. Louis County because he can work outdoors daily. Joe takes pride in preserving the natural resources of the beautiful county.
After working with St. Louis County Parks and Recreation for ten years, Jeff Reitz has been promoted to Maintenance Manager/ Site Coordinator. Jeff loves coming in daily to work outdoors while taking on various projects that keep his days interesting. For Jeff, St. Louis County Parks and Recreation is a great place to be.
Grace Buchanan began her career with Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation in 2017 as a lifeguard at Summit Waves. She subsequently advanced to Aquatics Supervisor, overseeing the lifeguard staff and swim instructors at Summit Waves and the Longview Community Center. In this role, Grace manages daily operations, addresses pool-related issues, and ensures all patrons have a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience. Grace, a Lee’s Summit High School graduate, has remained a dedicated member of the LSPR team. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and attending concerts in her free time.
John Honeycutt has joined LSPR as Maintenance Supervisor at the J. Thomas Lovell Jr. Community Center. With over 35 years of experience in building maintenance, John brings a breadth of expertise to his new role. Before joining LSPR, he worked for eight years in the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation division. In his leisure time, John enjoys traveling and restoring classic cars. He is enthusiastic about joining the team and contributing to the success of the J.
Community Center.
Michael Hopkins has joined LSPR as Park Specialist. In this position, he will play a key role in supporting the park operations team with the daily maintenance of neighborhood parks. Bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles in maintenance across Nebraska, Michael is well-equipped to enhance the quality and beauty of our community green spaces. Michael is passionate about outdoor activities and treasures spending quality time with family and friends.
LSPR has hired Christian Spinler as Park Specialist, who will contribute to the daily maintenance of neighborhood parks. Christian, a Blue Springs native, recently earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a focus on wildlife and natural resources. His academic background and passion for the outdoors make him a valuable addition to the team. Christian enjoys exploring nature and cherishing moments with family and friends outside of work.
Kelly Tramp is a skilled construction professional with a lengthy background in the industry. Originally from Yankton, South Dakota, Kelly joined LSPR as a skilled park specialist. As a valued construction team member, Kelly plays a crucial role in park renovation projects. His expertise extends to various tasks, including concrete work, trail removal and installation, and operation of heavy equipment like skid loaders. When not working, Kelly enjoys spending quality time with his family.
Debbie DuChaine joined LSPR in February 2021 as a full-time Service Representative and was recently promoted to Service Representative II. In her role, she has been instrumental in ensuring the accuracy of membership forms, processing refunds and cancellations efficiently, and providing timely monthly reports on qualified health plans. Outside of work, Debbie is passionate about spending time with her family, exploring local zoos and parks, and enjoying outdoor activities like swimming. She also has a keen interest in travel and the performing arts.
Lydia Ritter is the new Aquatics Recreation Supervisor for Blue Springs Parks and Recreation. She oversees day-to-day operations, programming, and staff. She has trained staff under the YMCA, Red Cross, and StarGaurd Elite. She previously served as Aquatics Coordinator at Midwest Pool Management and Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation.
With extensive experience in parks and recreation, Kelli Votypka serves as the Recreation Superintendent for the City of Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department. She is passionate about promoting active lifestyles and fostering community engagement. She is dedicated to creating inclusive environments where individuals of all ages thrive. Kelli is committed to innovation and excellence in recreational management. She continually seeks opportunities to enhance program offerings and deliver exceptional participant experiences.
Brian Dillingham has been hired as the Customer Relations Supervisor for Blue Springs Parks and Recreation. He has extensive experience in retail management. In his last job he started off in an entry-level position and worked his way to become a store manager. Soon after he was offered to relocate to Times Square but chose to stay in the Kansas City area. Brian is very excited and motivated to showcase all of what he can achieve with the City of Blue Springs.
Tom Bukaty joined the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department as a part-time maintenance employee in April. The Maintenance Team had a full-time opening in June, and Tom was hired as a full-time Parks Maintenance Worker then. Tom has a positive, can-do attitude and is willing to do whatever task is assigned to him. He also has 20-plus years of experience as a union ironworker.
Almitra Buzan has been hired as the Marketing Coordinator for the City of Blue Springs Parks and Recreation. She is responsible for social media management, publication design, sponsorships, and media communications in this role. Almitra has worked at the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and the Hickman Mills Community Empowerment Center, where she was responsible for public relations, photography, videography, and social media. She has a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri.
The City of Jennings would like to announce the addition of Lenzell Green as Recreation Specialist. Lenzell is a former college athlete and coach. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in sports management with a minor in business administration from Eastern Illinois University. He later received his master’s degree in physical education at Indiana State University.
The 2024 MPRA Cover Photo Contest received an overwhelming number of amazing submissions, making it challenging to choose just one for the cover. We received nearly double the number of submissions and votes compared
Our team works with you to help bring your vision to life so your imagination can run wild.
to the 2023 contest. We want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated and also acknowledge a few entries that were highly favored by our members but did not make it to the cover.
The City of St. Charles and St. Charles County hosted the 2024 MPRA Annual Conference and Expo at their convention center. The location served the commi ee and association very well, given the proximity to a large population of MPRA members. Many agencies opted to send more sta members than they could to other locations in the state, allowing the conference team to serve more members than normal. The theme “Making Missouri Be er One Park at a Time” emphasizes the power that parks and recreation keep on the well-being of a community.
Term limits and election cycles impeded most legislative initiatives in the Legislature this past year. MPRA supported common sense legislation leveling the eld for childcare licensure while defeating changes to the Conservation Commission structure, altering Administrative Park Board statutes, and state licenser requirements for day camps.
July 2023 marks one year of service with GrowthZone, the so ware MPRA uses to manage membership, event registration, and member communications. We have heard a number of positive comments on the new member directory and other items located within the InfoHub. Members are encouraged to log in using the email address provided with their membership and explore the resources GrowthZone houses within the InfoHub! Watch for information on a mobile app coming soon for MPRA members!
Improvements to MPRA’s home, the Musco Lighting Building, this year included a much needed replacement to the parking lot, landscaping, drainage, and reception area. Guests are now welcomed by a cozy space lled with comfy furniture as they enter the building. The sta take the responsibility of protecting MPRA’s most valuable asset, the Musco Lighting Building, very seriously and appreciate the Board’s support when the needs arise.
In addition to the annual conference, MPRA o ers a variety of educational events throughout the year. We strive to o er something for everyone while ensuring quality in all we do. Below are some examples of growth in many of our events and activities.
Region 4
FY23-24: 19 Teams/110 A endees
FY23-24: 14 Teams/83 A endees
The inaugural Maintenance Rodeo State Championship was held in conjunction with the annual conference. Six teams competed in St. Charles withJe erson City Parks and Recreation emerged as State Champs!
Rodeo FY22-23: 14 Teams/72 A endees Region 4 Conference
FY23-24: 123 A endees
FY21-22: 122 FY22-23: 111
FY23-24: 101 A endees
FY21-22: 96 FY22-23: 118
MPRA is always pleased to see our membership grow. We have seen an upward trajectory in the past few years and hope to continue this trend.
MPRA continues to look toward the future to make any improvements necessary to provide top quality service and programs for its membership and for the State of Missouri.
The Executive Director, working with the Executive Commi ee, is exploring options to add a part-time position to the MPRA Sta .
This person would work with Region and Section leadership in planning and coordinating meetings and events while improving partner relations across all MPRA activities.
Planning is underway for another great conference in Branson next February. Dr. Kevin Daley, former Harlem Globetro er and opening keynote, will energize the delegation to “Get Out There”.
Submitted by Lexi Buechter, Intern | Missouri State Parks
Cuivre River State Park, located in Troy, Missouri, is expanding recreational opportunities with a new state-of-the-art archery range.
“The new archery range is a public range that is open daily. The park will also host beginning archery programs as part of our outreach engagement programming for the St. Louis area. Local archery clubs and high school teams also plan to use the new range," says Eastern Region Director Greg Combs.
This range has five ADA-compliant shooting lanes, 13 sheltered targets ranging from 10 to 50 yards, and an elevated shooting platform. Combs said the archery programming Cuivre River State Parks provides to various groups makes the Leroy Braungardt Archery Range the obvious choice for expanding park activities.
Park visitor and archer Paige Lehmen of Wardsville, Missouri, says, "It's cool, and I like that there are different distances you can shoot from."
The different distances and elevated shooting opportunities allow archers of various backgrounds to improve their skills and enjoy the range. This also means
that the range can cater to varying types of archery, from bow hunting and fishing practice to competition archery.
“I think this will bring a lot of attention from all over the show-me state!” says park visitor Grace Mauzy of Holts Summit, Missouri.
Besides its multi-usages, part of what makes this range special is how it was built.
"The Union Sportsman's Alliance approached Missouri State Parks with the idea of developing the range," Combs said. "They are an organization that works with local trades unions to develop conservation or recreation-related projects."
Union volunteers donated a large portion of the work for this project. International Union of Operating Engineers Local 513, Operative Plasters' and Cement Masons' International Association (OPCMIA) Local 527, Magruder Limestone Co., Millstone Weber, Iron Workers Local 396, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District 59, Carpenters Local 32, and Roofers and Waterproofers Local 2 donated countless hours of labor and the necessary materials to make this archery range possible.
Another significant part of the creation of the range is the name. The archery range is named after Leroy Braungardt, a local, well-respected supporter of conservation and outdoor recreation. Braungardt served as state representative for District 16 from 1978 to 1985 and was an integral part of the creation and passage of the sales tax for parks, soils, and water conservation. He was recognized as conservation legislator of the year in his first year as a state representative. He was the National Wild Turkey Federation calling champion in 1972, past president of the Lincoln County Wildlife Club, and Chairman of the Deer and Wild Turkey National Resource Committee for the Conservation Federation. After his death, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Conservation Federation of Missouri in March 2017. And to tie it all back to the archery, he is the first person on record to harvest a turkey with a bow and arrow in Missouri.
This incredible project adds value and convenience to the already great Cuivre River State Park. The volunteers that made the archery range possible and the name dedication to Leroy Braungardt make the range a special addition to the park that will provide excellent opportunities for local archers and park visitors for years to come.
Enhance your parks, schools, community centers, and outdoor areas with turnkey solutions from the company you trust. Our park and playground equipment offer endless opportunities for imaginative play, physical activity, and social interaction. Provide comfortable play areas and seating with our shade and shelter options, creating inviting spaces for relaxation and social gatherings. Plus, our site furnishings add functionality and style, completing the overall look of your outdoor environment. Ready to elevate your space?
Submitted by Elizabeth Lyle, Marketing and Events Manager | Maryville Parks & Recreation
In a significant boost to the Maryville community, Nodaway County Services has funded a major upgrade to Sisson Eek Park on Lincoln Street. This enhancement, completed in collaboration with Maryville Parks and Recreation (MPR) and ABcreative, marks a major step forward in making local playgrounds more inclusive and engaging for all residents.
The newly redesigned playground at Sisson Eek Park embodies a strong commitment to inclusivity, integrating features designed to accommodate and engage children of all abilities. The park was chosen for its existing wheelchair-accessible bathroom and pavilion, which made it an ideal candidate for this enhancement. While seamlessly integrating with the park's existing features, the design ensures the playground is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The upgraded playground introduces several standout features, including a large rope structure supporting over 30 climbers at once and a zeroentry merry-go-round designed for wheelchair access. An interactive game requiring participants to wind a handle adds a hands-on element to play, while shaded areas offer a comfortable break from the sun and synthetic turf enhances safety and playability.
The grand opening of the newly upgraded Sisson Eek Park took place on Tuesday, July 9, and was
met with enthusiastic community support. With over 500 people in attendance to celebrate the joyous occasion for the Maryville community, attendees enjoyed a variety of treats, including cotton candy, lemonade, and coffee from the local coffee shop The Perk, as well as shaved ice from Kool Kats, a local favorite. The event featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the official debut of the park's new features, and Nodaway County Services distributed commemorative t-shirts to add a personal touch to the celebration.
MPR Director Jeff Stubblefield expressed enthusiasm for the park’s future, stating, “This has always been one of the most popular parks in town. This is a great addition to Sisson Eek; we’re really excited about the future of this park.”
“We have been blessed with how we’re doing as a company and our partnership with Maryville Parks and Recreation,” said Nodaway County Services Director Mark Parra, highlighting the importance of the partnership. “We use their facilities. We’re grateful and wanted to give back something to the community.”
Since the playground upgrade, Sisson Eek Park has seen a remarkable increase in attendance. An impressive 120% increase in visitors from July 2023 to July 2024 shows the positive impact of the new equipment and enhancements. Sisson Eek Park now serves as a vibrant and welcoming space for all members of the Maryville community. This project highlights the power of collaboration between local services, community organizations, and design professionals to create recreational spaces that cater to diverse needs. The revitalized park enhances the quality of life for Maryville residents and serves as a shining example of how community-driven initiatives can make a meaningful difference.
Submitted by Sarah Rivers, Recreation Assistant Events and Marketing | Eureka Parks & Recreation
Extensive improvements at the Timbers of Eureka Recreation Center and the ballfields in Legion and Lions parks kept the City of Eureka staff busy this year! Brand new turf fields were placed at Legion and Lions Parks, allowing games and practices to partially commence in March and fully return in July. In August, improvements officially wrapped up at The Timbers of Eureka Recreation Facility after roughly four months of renovation.
improvements have brought in Play9 Sports Tournament Company to host baseball and softball games almost every weekend from March through July. Every weekend, thousands of new visitors to Eureka make the city hustle and bustle, with people exploring the town and visiting local businesses. Throughout the field project, work also started just down the street at the recreation center.
making it more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. Finally, the fitness and strength area received a complete renovation with new flooring, fans, paint, mirrors, and fitness equipment. Members anxiously awaited the completion of these projects, and there has been nothing but positive feedback since their completion.
With the demand for turf fields rising for recreational, competitive, and leisurely uses, it was an easy decision to transform Eureka’s seven dirt and grass fields at Legion and Lions Parks into turf fields. Bombshell Construction was given the bid to complete the new ballfields. The extensive work on this project and a few hiccups eventually manifested in seven beautiful turf fields that have become a popular attraction for Eureka. The field
The Timbers of Eureka, built in 2013, celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. Despite no significant upgrades since opening, the facility has stayed in fantastic shape, but it was time for a change! Improvement to The Timbers began in April 2024 when Bombshell Construction was again given the bid to complete this extensive project over the next four months.
A new permanent wall was installed to separate the two meeting spaces, and one side was transformed into a cardio room with new flooring, fans, paint, televisions, and equipment. The men’s and women's locker rooms and family restrooms received new flooring, paint, fixtures, and updated plumbing and showers, giving the areas a clean and fresh look.
The party room received a fresh coat of paint and new flooring just before pool party season,
During this process, the biggest goal was to keep members updated and maintain communication with the community about the improvements and tentative timelines – hence creating the "The Timbers Improvements" social media and communication campaign. The Timbers Improvements campaign involved a handful of social media posts throughout the process, keeping followers updated on when projects were completed and the steps being taken. Members also received emails with updates and the option to pause their membership while improvements took place. The constant communication and updates resulted in a successful improvement process and a smooth completion. The Timbers’ staff has received numerous compliments from members and guests and has project joined the Legion and Lions Parks Ballfields as another success.
Eureka prides itself on its community and bringing people together. The goal of these projects was to do just that! The new ballfields have given teams and families a place to practice and play on state-of-the-art fields, and The Timbers improvements have provided members and guests with a safe, clean, and upgraded place to exercise and enjoy. These projects could not have been possible without the support of the Eureka community, and there is still more to come for the growing city!
Landmark Aquatic is the largest national commercial aquatics company, offering a full suite of innovative solutions, including design and construction, as well as maintenance, repair, restoration, and renovation.
“We Build More Than Pools, We Build Relationships!”
Submitted by Anthony Finzo, Recreation Center Director | City of Aurora
Discussions regarding a new facility in Aurora, MO, began in 2021. The community's feedback was for a familyfriendly venue offering a wide range of activities and opportunities. From there, city leadership and parks personnel collaborated with Sapp Design Architects, and the Aurora Recreation and Event Center idea quickly came to life.
Flash forward to the summer of 2024, and the new $12 million facility is just months from opening its doors to this southwest Missouri community.
“This is a big moment for the Aurora community,” said Jon Holmes, the City Manager. “A recreation center is an asset that greatly enhances the quality of life for a community. A recreation center pulls together all the separate parts of a parks and recreation department: the walking trails, the parks, the athletic fields, recreational programs, green spaces, and the community itself, and it becomes the central heart for all these things. People want these amenities and programs in a growing and engaging community. The amazing thing is that when this all comes together, the sum is greater than all its parts.”
The center will feature multiple fitness and exercise spaces, allowing for solo training or various exercise classes. There will also be locker rooms, an indoor walking track, and a multipurpose court for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, just to name a few.
Carrie Howlett, the Community Development Director and the Assistant City Manager, said about the facility: “We
are excited to provide a hub in the city of Aurora that will cater to and include the needs of people of all ages and walks of life.”
The facility is also designed in two halves, one for recreational and fitness use and the other for community events. The second section will house a large community room that can be partitioned into three smaller rooms, depending on the size of the event. There is also a warming kitchen and office space for the recreation department.
The city started to build a new staff by selecting Anthony Finzo, formerly the Campus Recreation Coordinator at Evangel University in Springfield, as the new Recreation Center Director earlier this year.
“When I first toured the construction site after being hired, I was overwhelmed with gratitude,” Anthony said. “This facility is full of opportunity, and we’re being given quite the job to steward. I’m so excited
to see how we can be a blessing to the community through the completion and use of this facility.”
It may be rare for a community of Aurora's size to have a facility like this one; many unknowns exist. However, there is a demand and a need for what it can offer far beyond the city limits. In preparation for the Recreation and Event Center, a 2022 market assessment showed great potential and opportunity in the region, and this venue sits primed and ready to be a centerpiece of community connection and growth.
Holmes continued, “This facility will become a community hub for more than just athletic and recreational programs; it will help unite and build a community and promote a sense of place for all the residents that we serve, both the citizens of Aurora and the larger region outside of Aurora."
Submitted by Jason Knight, Director | Willard Parks & Recreation
Nestled in the heart of Willard, Missouri, a community of just over 6,000 residents, the Better Together Playground is a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of play. The sprawling 10,000-square-foot wonderland is now the largest inclusive playground in Southwest Missouri and is an example of what a community can achieve when it comes together with a common purpose.
The journey to create the Better Together Playground began with a dream shared by a group of passionate residents. Recognizing the need for an inclusive play space where children of all abilities could play side by side, the Willard Parks Department and the Better Together Playground Group, a newly formed 501(c)(3), set a goal: build a playground that would provide a safe and fun environment for children and a national demonstration site that exemplifies the seven principles of inclusive play.
From the outset, the project garnered immense support from the local community. The Better Together Playground Group rallied residents, businesses, and local non-profits, creating a network of supporters who believed in this project's transformative power. The grassroots project was quickly joined by organizations such as the Willard Children’s Charitable Foundation, the Greene County Commissioners Office, Abilities First, and local chapters of national non-profits like the Masonic Lodge, who saw the value in the
project and contributed generously.
“The most remarkable aspect of the Better Together Playground project was the sheer amount of volunteer labor that went into its creation.” Dozens of volunteers dedicated hundreds of hours to bring the playground to life. From initial planning and fundraising to the physical construction of the playground, the community’s involvement was nothing short of extraordinary. Residents of all ages came together, contributing their time, skills, and energy, reducing construction costs and fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the community.
“For a town the size of Willard, the Better Together Playground is an extraordinary asset.” The 10,000+ square feet of play space offers a variety of features designed to engage children of all abilities. The playground has accessible swings, sensory play panels, and wheelchair-friendly surfaces, allowing every child to play and interact without barriers.
The playground's design adheres to the seven principles of inclusive play, ensuring that the environment is welcoming and engaging for children with and without disabilities, promoting social interaction and developmental growth.
The Better Together Playground is designated a national demonstration site for inclusive play. This designation highlights the playground's innovative design and commitment to inclusivity.
It is a model for other communities looking to create similar spaces. Staff hope visitors nationwide will come to Willard to see the playground and learn from its success. This playground brings pride to the community and positions Willard as a leader in inclusive play.
The Better Together Playground's impact on the Willard community cannot be overstated. It has become a central gathering place where families play, relax, and connect. It fosters a sense of unity and pride, showing what can be achieved when a community works together. The success of this playground has inspired the
community to think bigger, and plans are already in motion to continue partnerships with community action groups.
The playground has also provided a much-needed boost to the local economy. Visitors from surrounding areas come to Willard to experience the playground, bringing business to local shops, restaurants, and services. The increased foot traffic has a positive ripple effect, benefiting the entire community, and is a true testament to the power of community partnership, volunteerism, and the belief that we are indeed “Better Together.”
Submitted by Savannah Lynde, Special Events & Marketing Manager | Sedalia Parks & Recreation
Sedalia Parks and Recreation celebrated Parks and Recreation Month with a full calendar of activities that brought the community together in fun and engaging ways. Each day offered a new event, encouraging community members to participate and enjoy their local parks. Highlights from the month-long celebration include:
Children aged 2-17 showcased their creativity in a coloring contest by drawing their favorite park or activity. The judges had trouble choosing winners due to the abundance of adorable and imaginative drawings. The contest was so well-received that it will become an annual competition!
With pickleball's growing popularity, Sedalia Parks and Recreation organized a free clinic to introduce this exciting sport to interested community members. Staff provided instruction along with balls and paddles for those in need. Participants
learned the basics of pickleball and connected with others to continue playing together in the future.
Members of the Heckart Community Center enjoyed a delightful ice cream social in celebration of National Ice Cream Day. An ice cream bar with various toppings allowed everyone to create their perfect sundae, adding a sweet touch to the day.
Libby the Squirrel, Sedalia’s official mascot named after Liberty Park, led a lively flash mob in the lobby of the Heckart Community Center. Libby danced with members, visited various areas of the center, and even crashed a water aerobics class, spreading joy and laughter. Libby’s energetic presence brought smiles to faces of all ages.
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, a special day was organized to
Submitted by Jenna Pagliai, Recreation Supervisor | Moberly Parks and Recreation
Moberly Parks and Recreation brought a unique activity to the newly developed Rothwell Park Amphitheater this past July. The World Bird Sanctuary brought eagles to the amphitheater for the All About Eagles Program. The 40-minute program was all about eagles, the great raptor who represents honesty, truth, majesty, strength, courage, wisdom, power, and freedom. The audience explored eagles’ natural history and introduced conservation biology principles.
The World Bird Sanctuary presentation highlighted the eagles’ habitats and history,
how it protects raptors, and more. The free event was offered to visitors of all ages in the Moberly community. The audience were able to ask questions and take photos with the birds. The turnout was impressive and staff plans to bring more conservation programming to Moberly. The staff also believes the community and visitors need access to this type of programming for many reasons, from education and creating awareness of career opportunities, to giving another unique reason for all ages to get unplugged and outdoors.
honor Sedalia’s dedicated lifeguards with snacks, coupons, and gift cards. Lifeguards play a crucial role in keeping the community safe, and it was wonderful to show them how much they are appreciated.
The month concluded with an outdoor movie night at the historic Liberty Stadium, featuring a screening of “The Sandlot.” Local food trucks provided delicious snacks as attendees enjoyed the movie in the unique setting of a historic baseball field. This event was the last before the stadium’s renovations began, and it perfectly captured the nostalgic charm of watching a baseball movie on the field.
Parks and Recreation Month was a resounding success at Sedalia Parks and Recreation. It was great to welcome new faces and reconnect with familiar ones, celebrating the sense of community that defines the parks.
Smart Play® playstructures pack a lot of activities into compact structures, taking kids from early crawling exploration on up to active climbing and social play to challenging adventures for older children. This line helps span several critical periods of childhood development, making it ideal for childcare, early learning centers, neighborhood playgrounds and schools.
2018 William Street Jefferson City, MO 65109-1186
