Springfield Standard

Ron Schneider has been named Director of Parks and Recreation for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Schneider replaces Bob Belote, who retired as director in January after a 20-year history with the parks department. Jim Fisher is currently serving as interim director. Schneider will begin work Monday, July 8.

Schneider earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University and is a Certified Park and Recreation Executive. With nearly 25 years of full-time management experience in the parks and recreation field, he most recently served as the Executive Director for the Freeport Park District in Freeport, IL.

“It is an honor to serve the Springfield-Greene County Park Board,” said Schneider. “I look forward to providing the highest quality parks, recreation facilities and programs to residents and being a responsible steward of the Park Board’s resources.”

Schneider was selected after a nationwide search led by Springfield-Greene County Park Board with representation from City management. City Manager Jason Gage stated that Schneider is well-suited to lead the award-winning parks department into the future.

“Ron is a visionary with a track record of creating successful strategy and working with stakeholders to turn plans into reality,” Gage said. “He is the right person at the right time to lead the parks and recreation efforts tied to our comprehensive plan, Forward SGF. We look forward to working with him.”

Randall Blackwood, chair of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, noted that Schneider’s experience leading a diverse parks district spanning three counties played a significant role in his selection.

“The board was very impressed with his energy and his interest, specifically, in our Parks system,” said Blackwood. “As he learned more about our department and the resources available here, he was more excited, and his energy was infectious. He has a lot of ideas on new trends in parks and trails. He is going to bring a great deal of vision, and continue the tradition of great Parks leadership in our community.”

Blackwood also highlighted Schneider’s personal involvement in park activities.

“He is an avid biker and runner himself, so he is not only going to be a Parks Director; he’ll be a parks user too.”

Schneider expressed enthusiasm for bringing fresh ideas that will enhance Springfield's appeal as a place to work, live, play, and visit.

“I understand the importance of recreation and the value it brings to a community including quality-of-life outcomes and economic impact,” he said. “I’m excited for the bright future of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board and look to build upon the impressive level of service already offered.”

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board coordinates programs, facilities, and events at 105 park sites ranging from neighborhood playgrounds to multi-use recreational facilities to natural resource areas. The 3,200-acre system includes four golf courses, three family centers, a zoo, botanical gardens among other amenities generating an estimated $13-15 million annually for the local economy.

For more information contact Cora Scott at 417-380-3352 or Jenny Edwards at 417-224-5510.

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