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Getting to know Springfield-Greene County Parks director Jodie Adams.
Jodie Adams had a wild card invitation to play doubles at the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world: Wimbledon. Yet, she skipped it because she didn’t have enough vacation days as a new hire for the Springfield–Greene County Park Board. Expressing her unending passion for her job, she says: “I made a good choice. I knew my ability, and I knew how far I could go, and this was the right choice, obviously. Here I am 35 years later.”
This decision may seem crazy for the rest of us. But after hearing Adams, now the director, enthusiastically expound on her love for the Springfield–Greene County parks, it’s clear that she did make the right choice.
Adams’ love for parks is not just limited to the boundaries of Greene County. In fact, this month she will be inducted as president of the National Recreation and Park Association. There isn’t a higher office to work for in her field. “That is a very unique situation to be able to stay in your hometown, to work in a dynamic department,” Adams says, “and to be able to also work nationally.”
The Springfield–Greene County parks system has 92 parks, 10 of which are linear (like a greenway), and they range from the small neighborhood parks to ones that are more than 300 acres in size.
It isn’t necessarily an individual park or complexity of the parks on the whole that draws Adams to her work. “The bottom line is it’s the people,” Adams says. “It’s all about parks and people. The real passion that keeps me driving is seeing people excited out there.”
So what does someone whose work life is consumed with parks and recreation do when she has time off? She goes to the parks, of course. “Why wouldn’t I want to engage in a state-of-the-art park system on my personal time?” says Adams. Good choice.
What’s your favorite…
Tennis player?
“Billy Jean King. She had the most impact on me. She was not just a great tennis player. She really cared about developing the sport, making sure there are always opportunities for everyone.”
Tennis grip?
“Continental.”
Tennis win?
“Winning a Missouri Valley Regional Tournament, winning all three adult events when I was 18. I won women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.”
Award?
“The National Parks and Recreation Gold Medal Award. [...] It measures you up throughout the country. It validates what you’re doing. It’s not a personal award.”
Dessert?
“Chocolate cake.”
Desert?
“Anywhere in Arizona.”
Airplane seat?
“Aisle seat. I’m always working on something.”
Type of chair?
“Recliner.”
Hidden Springfield treasure?
“Great history lesson taught through Founder’s Park. That’s where it all began.”
TV channel?
“I really like the CNN news. I like to stay up on world events. They will eventually have an impact on us.”
Shoe brand?
“Wilson.”
Thing about Springfield?
“Camaraderie, I like our cooperation. It’s amazing to me how well Springfield works together as a community for progress and quality of life.”
Popsicle flavor?
“Cherry.”
Hand on a clock?
“Second hand.”
Type of cheese?
“Cheddar.”
Way to alleviate stress?
“Get outdoors.”
TV show growing up?
“Captain Kangaroo.”
Vacation destination?
“Anywhere with hot weather.”
Phobia?
“Making sure everything is locked up.”
