Joe Snook
As the Administrator for Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation (LSPR) Snook provides leadership for all divisions including administration, park planning & construction, park operations, and recreation, consisting of 47 full-time staff, over 300 part-time and seasonal staff, and countless volunteers. He directs and monitors a $12.5M annual budget through multiple funds, and oversees a comprehensive plan for the maintenance and development of the Parks and Recreation system.
Snook started with LSPR in 2001 as the Superintendent of Recreation Services, promoted to Assistant Administrator in 2007 and in January 2018, hired by the Parks and Recreation Board as the Administrator. During his tenure, he has overseen significant growth, increasing the Recreation Division from four full-time staff to 24 full-time staff, and the department from 20 full-time staff to 47 full-time staff. Major projects Snook was responsible for include:
- $9.3M community center
- $4.75M multi-generational center
- $5M outdoor water park
- $4M amphitheater
- Renovation of a third community center
- Over $10M in park renovations
- Construction of $1M outdoor ice rink
- Purchase ($4.1 M) and renovations ($1.6 M) of a 4th community center
LSPR has been an accredited agency since 2003 and received the Gold Medal Award in 2010 due in part to the leadership and oversight of Snook. He has served the profession in the following capacities:
- Regent – MPRA Leadership Development Institute (2018 – present)
- Chair – MPRA Study and Research Committee (2018 – present)
- Chair Kansas City Metropolitan Parks and Recreation Directors Association (2019)
- Missouri Parks and Recreation Association (MPRA) Secretary & Treasurer (2017 – 2019)
- MPRA Municipal Section President, MPRA Region I Director (2009 & 2010)
- Co-Chair MPRA Facility Design and Management School (2007, 2008, & 2011)
- Snook holds a Master of Science in Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science (University of Central Missouri) and a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation (Bethany College).