Longtime Park Board director Dan Kinney dies at 83

Former Springfield-Greene County Park Board Director Dan Kinney, 83, died on Sept. 29, according to a Park Board news release sent yesterday.

Kinney was employed by the Park Board for roughly 35 years. He served as the department’s parks director from 1977 to his retirement in 2006, having previously served six years as assistant director. Kinney was the Park Board’s second director in its history, succeeding former director Jim Ewing upon his retirement.

Springfield residents posted myriad social media comments in remembrance of Kinney within minutes of the Park Board sharing the news yesterday afternoon.

“Good leader,” wrote one individual.

“He was one of a kind!” wrote another.

During Kinney’s tenure, Springfield-Greene County’s parks system grew to 88 from 33 parks and facilities, including the establishment of Chesterfield and Doling family centers, Close Memorial Park (a project that led to the development of Springfield Botanical Gardens), Cooper Park Sports Complex and Cooper Tennis Complex, Jordan Valley Park and Brightspeed Ice Park, Northview Center, Rivercut Golf Course, the School-Park program and Springfield Skate Park. 

At present, Springfield-Greene County Parks includes over 120 facilities including parks and trails, according to the Park Board website.

Kinney also served 20 years as the Missouri State Commissioner for the Amateur Softball Association, now known as USA Softball of Missouri, helping maintain Springfield’s longstanding reputation as a softball hub. 

The day after Kinney’s passing, USA Softball of Missouri shared an online tribute, calling Kinney a “driving force” for amateur softball in the Show Me State. “Dan was not only a leader but also a true supporter and friend of the sport,” officials said in a statement. “His contributions and passion for softball will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed.”

According to the Park Board’s news release, former coworkers recalled one of Kinney’s favorite phrases, used as a pep talk for employees, was, “We work hard so others can play hard.” 

Notable accomplishments under Kinney’s leadership include the following:

• Founding Firefall, a citywide fireworks display coordinated by the Park Board, featuring live music, air and parachute shows, hot air balloons and fireworks choreographed with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, 1982-2008
• Establishing Springfield’s first Sister City relationship with Isesaki, Japan, 1986
• Parks' partnership with Ozark Greenways to develop recreational trails and linear parks, 1991
• Starting the Turkey Trot 5K Run-Walk, now in its 31st year, in 1995
• Parks expansion into Greene County, and changing the name from Springfield Park Board to Springfield-Greene County Park Board, in 1996
• Establishing the Springfield Lasers Pro Tennis Franchise, a gift from Harry Cooper, in 1996
• Dickerson Park Zoo earning the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Edward H. Bean Award for its elephant program in 1997
• The Park Board earning the “National Gold Medal Award” from the National Recreation and Parks Association in 2000
• Passage of the first countywide parks sales tax in 2001; according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting, at this time Kinney led the department through an effort known as the Parks Initiative that comprised land acquisitions for Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, Valley Water Mill Park and Lost Hill Park
• The park board being named “Sportstown USA” by Sports Illustrated in 2023.
• Growing the annual parks budget from $857,000 in 1971 to $25 million in 2006

“Dan’s vision and innovation transformed the Parks Department into a robust parks system with national recognition,” said Ron Schneider, current Springfield-Greene County Parks director, in a news release. “He was recognized as a leader in parks and recreation management on a local, state and national level. His contributions impact everyone who has spent time in a Springfield-Greene County park in the last 50 years, and will be enjoyed by generations to come. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones as we remember his legacy.”

Kinney earned numerous accolades throughout his career, notably being inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame four years later. In 2010, Kinney was honored with the 17th annual Missourian Award and was also inducted into the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association Hall of Fame.

A celebration of life for Kinney is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m., at Schweitzer Church, 2747 E. Sunshine St., under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home. The family has requested memorial contributions to Dickerson Park Zoo/Friends of the Zoo, in lieu of flowers.