Park Board names permanent director of Parks

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board voted unanimously April 13 to select Bob Belote as the fourth director of Parks.

Belote has served as interim director of Parks since the November retirement of Jodie Adams.

Belote, who has worked for the city's Parks Department since 2004, most recently as assistant Parks director, takes the post May 6. His annual salary will be $110,781, according to the release from the Park Board.

“I think Bob is the right fit for the Parks Department at this point in its history,” Springfield City Manager Greg Burris said in the release. “We are blessed with an outstanding parks program, and Bob possesses institutional knowledge of the department, greatly appreciates that history and is focused on listening to our citizens as we plan our future.  

"As we near the Park Board’s 100-year anniversary, we’re lucky to have him leading parks into our next 100 years.”

The Park Board's centennial is next year.

Before joining the Parks Department as superintendent of recreation, Springfield native Belote held roles of director of Parks and Recreation for Independence and Sioux City, Iowa. He also was assistant Parks director for Blue Springs.

“Bob’s résumé speaks for itself," Park Board Chairman Jerry Clark said in the release. "He’s been our assistant director for six years, and during that time has worked closely with the Park Board.

"We’re impressed by his collaborative leadership style and his ability to work with our more than 200 partners.”[[In-content Ad]]