Parks Director Bob Belote to retire

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Springfield-Greene County Park Board Director Bob Belote has set his retirement date from the department.

Belote, a longtime Park Board employee and its director since 2012, is scheduled to retire in mid-January 2024, according to a news release.

“Our parks here are very personal for our residents, as they provide a real sense of renewal, hope and pride. I know this from the way our parks and outdoor spaces helped develop me as a kid growing up here in Springfield, as well as the continued impact they’ve had on my family, as our children have experienced them growing up,” Belote said in the release. "It’s a really special park system, with a really special team in place to help manage it. It’s truly been my honor and privilege to be a part of it for all these years.”

The fourth Park Board director in the past 70 years, Belote's accomplishments include leading the department to achieve accreditation with the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies; keep parks and trails open during the pandemic; operate the Springfield Lasers tennis team; establish the inBalance Employee Wellness Program with the city of Springfield and Springfield-Greene County Health Department; adopt a master plan in 2021; and secure funding for the renovation of the Cooper Park Sports Complex.

“Speaking for the board, we’ve all been very impressed with Bob’s professionalism and dedication, his passion for parks and his relentless energy and ability to look ahead,” said Randy Blackwood, Park Board chair, in the release. "Bob is leaving tremendously big shoes to fill, but our parks system has taken a positive trajectory during his tenure as parks director, and we are in a position to use that blueprint for even greater success."

In retirement, Belote plans to spend more time with family, travel, volunteer and focus on recreational activities.

An interim Park Board director is slated to be named in the coming weeks, with the board taking an active role in the search and selection process along with city officials, according to the release. The parks director is a city employee.