Our Opinion: Retirement, project timetables diverge

In his more than 33 years as a Jefferson City department director, Bill Lockwood consistently has taken the high road.

We are not surprised, therefore, that he continues this trend regarding his retirement date, even though the timing may not be of his choosing.

Although eligible for retirement, Lockwood had planned to remain at his post until a multipurpose facility for indoor recreation is completed, expected in fall 2016.

However, the appointed Parks and Recreation Commission, which oversees the department, recently announced Lockwood will retire next March.

The point of contention between the commission and director centers on a planned multipurpose facility, a collaborative effort between the parks agency and Lincoln University.

An indoor recreation facility was on the radar for both the state university and city agency, and the two entities agreed to collaborate.

LU officials made no secret they were on an accelerated timetable for construction.

Concerned involvement by the parks staff would slow progress, Parks Commission President Denise Chapel took the lead. She said in a Sunday News Tribune story: "We're on a very expedited time frame so my ability to know what our partner may need or be requesting of us, being able to poll the commission and speak on their behalf, really helps bring us back in line."

Some observations:

• We understand LU's accelerated timeline and the desire to complete construction for use by existing students. We still hear from former LU graduates who paid a fee for years for construction of a swimming pool that never was built.

• As commission president, Chapel has authority to assume the leadership role. Jefferson City leaders have been criticized in the past for talking, ad nauseam, about projects - a conference center, Adrian's Island - with no action.

However:

• We also understand the need for involvement by an experienced parks director and staff. Both the cost and scope of this project already have been changed. We have advised and continue to advise proceeding with caution.

• We believe Lockwood deserves to retire on his own timetable. He has been a faithful steward of our growing parks and recreation system for more than three decades.

The multipurpose building is important not only as a facility, but as an example of collaboration and cooperation between Jefferson City and Lincoln University.

This project is ground-breaking; and, if it must be done quickly, it also must be done right.