BLUE SPRINGS, MO. – The Missouri Parks and Recreation Association named Dennis Dovel, Blue Springs Director of Parks and Recreation the recipient of the 2019 Park Resource Distinguished Service Award for his work in Blue Springs.
“We are lucky to have Dennis as a part of our team at the City of Blue Springs,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “Under his leadership, the Blue Springs Park and Recreation Department has launched many successful programs including the Fieldhouse and the Parks Sales Tax that is addressing some much-needed issues and bringing our community’s parks back to life.”
Since becoming the Parks Director in 2012, Dovel has guided many initiatives including the renovation and opening of the Blue Springs Fieldhouse in the fall of 2015, developing the Parks Department’s first-ever comprehensive Parks Master Plan, and working with local leaders and citizens to successfully pass a 5-year dedicated ½ cent sales tax for parks deferred maintenance in 2016.
“Dennis came to us with new ideas and a determination to make our Parks and Recreation system a gem of Jackson County and through tireless work over the last seven years and an eye to the future he has been instrumental in setting us down the path to success,” said Keith Hannaman, Chairman of the Blue Springs Park Board.
“While I was recognized for the award, it truly is an award for the City,” Dovel said. “Without the support of the Mayor, City Council, Park Commission, City Administration and especially the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department doing the work, I would not have been awarded this honor. I am blessed that everyone continues to afford me the opportunity transform our Park system, operations and programs. Without the support of everyone we would not be experiencing the growth and improvements we have and will be in the future.”