Jefferson City parks director to retire

Commission: Search for successor underway

Bill Lockwood
Bill Lockwood

The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Commission announced Friday that Bill Lockwood, director of Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry, will retire effective March 2016. Lockwood has served as the department's director for more than 33 years, according to a news release.

Lockwood's leadership has guided numerous commissions and committees and helped drive initiatives aimed at improving the quality of the parks system and community satisfaction, according to the news release.

"There are few words that can adequately thank Bill for his hard work and diligence in making the parks department what it is today," said Denise Chapel, president of the Parks and Recreation Commission, in the news release. "The department has a long history of success, and that doesn't just happen by accident. The commission is greatly appreciative of the park department's accomplishments due to its leadership and staff, which have led to the growth and positive reinforcement of the department. Bill is leaving the department well-positioned for the future."

The search for Lockwood's successor as director of parks and recreation will begin immediately, with the anticipation of a new director filling the position in March 2016.