Search Press Releases

Press Release Archive

Press Releases

  |   Views: 4262

Joe Snook Receives Missouri Parks & Recreation Fellow Award

Joe Snook Receives Missouri Parks & Recreation Fellow Award

Lee's Summit Parks Administrator Joe Snook was honored with the Missouri Park and Recreation Association’s highest honor, Fellow Award, at their annual conference on February 16 in Lake Ozark, MO.

Joe has served the LS community since 2001, first as the Superintendent of Recreation Services and later as Assistant Administrator, then eventually as Administrator for LSPR. In July 2007, he became the Assistant Administrator and was assigned the project lead for designing and constructing the $4.75 million multi-generational center. Joe led the department's efforts to the successful passage (78%) of a sales tax referendum to provide over $55 million for capital projects through 2033 and assisted with the NPRA national accreditation in 2004 and Gold Medal Application in 2010. Since January 2018, he has faithfully served as Administrator, overseeing 48 full-time and over 300 part-time staff and countless volunteers.

When not fully engaged in his job, Joe has served in various roles for MPRA: conference program chair, co-chair of facility design and management school, municipal section president, secretary/treasurer, Study and Research Committee chair, and regent chair of the Leadership Development Institute. He has presented many times at the conference over the years.

Each year, the Missouri Park and Recreation Fellow Award is given to one association member. The recipient must have at least ten years of experience as a leader, instructor, supervisor, director, Administrator, or a combination of the same in the field of recreation and/or parks and must be certified by a certifying board recognized in the field of parks, recreation and leisure services. They must also contribute to the association and display distinctive and innovative leadership. For more details, visit https://www.mopark.org/conference.

Print

Latest Press Releases

Afternoon Structure Fire
Afternoon Structure Fire

Afternoon Structure Fire

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 3:39 p.m., the Lee's Summit Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1200 block of SW Surrey Trace after a neighbor reported seeing black smoke coming from the eaves of a house. It was unclear whether anyone was inside. Firefighters arrived to find smoke visible from a window on the back of the two-story, single-family residence. Crews entered the smoke-filled home and discovered a fire in the kitchen that...
150th Anniversary Open House at Station 2

150th Anniversary Open House at Station 2

Thank you to everyone who attended the Open House at Station 3! If you missed it, we invite you to join us on May 17 from 9 a.m. to noon for an Open House at Fire Station No. 2., 2000 NE Rice Road. During this event, you'll have the opportunity to tour the station, meet our firefighters, and learn more about how we serve the community. Remember to get your fire department passport stamped during your visit. If you attend all of the Anniversary Open Houses, you...
City of Lee's Summit Announces New Director of Water Utilities
City of Lee's Summit Announces New Director of Water Utilities

City of Lee's Summit Announces New Director of Water Utilities

The City of Lee’s Summit is pleased to announce Jeff Thorn's appointment as director of Water Utilities, effective March 20. Thorn replaces Mark Schaufler, who retired in February after serving the City for 31 years. Thorn has more than 28 years of experience in engineering, project management and the construction of water and wastewater projects. For the past five years, he has been the deputy director of Lee’s Summit Water Utilities, managing the...
Fire Damages Home
Fire Damages Home

Fire Damages Home

The Lee's Summit Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1300 block of Southeast Princeton Place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. The resident noticed smoke in an upstairs bedroom after extinguishing a fire in the downstairs fireplace. A further investigation outside revealed that the enclosed chimney was on fire above the roof. All occupants of the house were safely evacuated. When firefighters arrived, flames were visible from the...
City of Lee’s Summit Hosting Career Fair & Expo on March 20
City of Lee’s Summit Hosting Career Fair & Expo on March 20

City of Lee’s Summit Hosting Career Fair & Expo on March 20

The City of Lee’s Summit will host a Career Fair & Expo from 1 to 6 p.m., March 20 at the Gamber Community Center, 4 SE Independence Ave. Job seekers will find outstanding job opportunities with the City of Lee’s Summit in several departments. The event is free and open to the public. The City offers meaningful work that positively impacts the safety and quality of life for residents. Professionals representing Development Services, Parks and...
First468Last