Sept. 14, 2019

The Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation Department held a dedication and ribbon cutting on Thursday, September 12 to officially rename the Legacy Park Community Center to the J. Thomas Lovell, Jr. Community Center at Legacy Park in honor of Tom Lovell, LSPR’s previous Administrator.

Tom served as Administrator of LSPR for 38 years (1979-2017). Under Tom’s leadership, LSPR grew from 12 staff members to 42 full-time employees, hundreds of part-time and seasonal employees, and an equal number of contractors. LSPR’s open space inventory grew from 250 acres to over 1,200 acres, and he helped develop 77 miles of trails, 30 neighborhood parks, three community centers, and a water park. Under Tom’s leadership LSPR won the National Parks and Recreation Association’s National Gold Medal Award and became accredited in 2003 and reaccredited in 2008, and 2013.

Legacy Park and LPCC came to fruition from the 3/8ths cent sales tax passed in 1998. The need for a community center was identified in the “Legacy For Tomorrow” strategic plan, and in 2003 LPCC opened for public use. The 58,000 square foot facility offers amenities including a natatorium, gymnasium with two full-sized courts, cardio and strength training area, two racquetball courts and much more.

J. Thomas Lovell Jr. Community Center at Legacy Park is located at 901 NE Bluestem Drive, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. For additional information, visit lsparks.net.