Park board names Belote assistant director

Belote is superintendent of recreation with the Parks Department and will fill the void left by Jodie Adams. Adams will become director of parks upon the retirement of Director Dan Kinney in January.

“The park board is one of the best nationally, and I’m very honored to be chosen for the position,” Belote said. “Being a native Springfieldian that grew up in the parks system, it’s just that much more of a special opportunity for me and my family.”

Belote’s wife and two children have benefited from his time with the department since he joined the staff in 2004, Belote said, as they often accompany him to park programs and activities.

“I had the chance to grow up in this park system, and now my family is – that’s kind of nice when your family gets to enjoy Dad’s work, too,” he said.

Before returning to Springfield, Belote served as director of parks in Independence and Sioux City, Iowa, and as assistant director of parks in Blue Springs.

He is a graduate of Kickapoo High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Missouri State University in 1987. He received a master’s degree in parks, recreation and tourism in 1995 from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Belote is a certified parks and recreation professional and a past president of the Missouri Park and Recreation Association.

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