The Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Snook as the Administrator of Parks and Recreation effective January 27, 2018.
Snook, who has been with Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation for over sixteen years, has served as Interim Administrator of the department since the retirement of the previous Administrator, Tom Lovell, after 38 years of service.

Prior to serving as Interim Administrator, Snook served as Assistant Administrator for ten years and as a Superintendent of Recreation Services for the previous six years.

Snook has a Master’s of Science in Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science from University of Central Missouri, and a Bachelors of Administration in Recreation from Bethany College. He is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and has completed several NRPA two-year programs including Director’s School, Revenue Development and Management School, and Maintenance Management School. At the state level, Snook received the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association (MPRA) Associate Fellows Award, the MPRA Municipal Section – Outstanding New Professional and has held offices including MRPA Secretary & Treasurer (2017 – present), MPRA Region I Director (2009 & 2010) and co-chaired the MRPA Facility Design and Management School (2007, 2008, 2011). He has conducted several presentations and written publications on park and recreation subjects and served as an adjunct professor at University of Central Missouri. Over his sixteen year tenure with Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation, Snook has been responsible or instrumental in the success of several large initiatives including:
• Obtaining Accreditation in 2003 and Reaccreditation in 2008 and 2013 through the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).
• The establishment of a sales tax renewal educational campaign with successful renewals in 2006 and 2016.
• Completion of the NRPA Gold Medal application which lead to the department winning the NRPA Gold Medal Award in 2010.
• The construction of Legacy Park Community Center which opened in 2003.
• The construction of Summit Waves Aquatics Center which opened in 2008.
• Oversight of the construction of the Gamber Community Center which opened in 2008.
• The renovation of Harris Park Community Center in 2010.
• The development of two strategic plans
• Business plan development for each cost center and facility operation
• Development of the “Did You Know/Friends of the Parks” community outreach program which has been implemented in several other states and communities.
• Oversight of the design and development of numerous parks, programs and special events.

His community involvement includes Lee’s Summit Cares executive board member (served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President and President), Co-chairperson – Parents University, Chamber of Commerce-Visitors Committee (past chair), Chamber of Commerce – Health Care Committee, and a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club (Youth Services Coordinator, Sergeant at Arms, Vice-President, President, Past President).

“After conducting a national search the Board is excited to appoint the current Interim Administrator, Joe Snook, as the Administrator of Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation. Joe will be only the 4th Administrator in our 50 year history. Over the past 10 months, as we evaluated Joe in an interim capacity, it became apparent we had the right person already on the team. We are excited to have his proven leadership abilities. Joe will take over a leading Gold Medal Award winning department committed to delivering world class amenities and programs to our citizens,” said Parks and Recreation Board President, Brian Hutchin.

Snook will be responsible for six operating funds, a Construction fund, and Park Sales Tax fund with an estimated budget of over $15 million for fiscal year 2018. With the renewal of the ¼ cent sales tax approved by voters in August, 2016, Snook will lead the implementation of the 15-year strategic plan for capital and maintenance projects estimated at $55 million.

“I would like to thank the Parks Board for the opportunity to serve our community in the capacity of Parks and Recreation Administrator. I am humbled and excited by the appointment. I’ve lived in Lee’s Summit for the past 16 years and had the privilege of raising my two boys here. We are proud to call Lee’s Summit home. Lee’s Summit is a special place and I know our parks and recreation department is one of the many reasons it’s so special. I look forward to leading our exceptional team of professionals as we continue the fine work of the many staff, volunteers, and Parks Board members who laid the foundation of this nationally recognized park system. We have a lot of work to accomplish over the next several years as we implement the projects approved by the voters with the 2016 sales tax renewal and I look forward to collaborating with our community, staff and Parks Board to make those projects a reality.” said Snook.

Snook has two sons; Jarod who is attending college at Colorado State University, and Jaylen who is a junior at Lee’s Summit High School.

Please join the Parks and Recreation Board in congratulating Joe Snook on his appointment as the Administrator for Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation.

Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation is the recipient of the 2010 National Gold Medal Award. This award honors communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, and innovative approaches to delivering superb park and recreation services with fiscally sound business practices. The department is also a three-time accredited agency through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) which accredits park and recreation agencies for excellence in operation and service, manages a total of 1,200 acres and offers a variety of activities including 30 parks, three community centers, an outdoor Aquatics center and outdoor Amphitheater.

For more information regarding Joe Snook’s appointment, contact LSPR at (816) 969-1500.