Clayton’s Parks and Recreation Director Named Missouri Park and Recreation Association President Elect

February 14, 2011

Clayton’s Parks and Recreation Director Patty DeForrest is the most recent addition to the list of individuals, who lead Clayton City staff in providing world-class City services and who lead regional and statewide efforts to enhance community service. In January, Patty was elected President Elect of the Missouri Park and Recreation Association.

For seven years, Patty has directed a staff of 25 full-time and more than 300 part-time employees. The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for maintaining ten City parks, managing Shaw Park Aquatic Center, Tennis Center and Ice Rink and The Center of Clayton, and supervising a multitude of sports activities in Shaw Park and at The Center.

Patty also serves as staff liaison to citizen advisory committees. As the City’s staff representative to the Clayton Recreation, Sports and Wellness Commission (CRSWC), a unique collaboration between the City and the School District of Clayton that oversees the operations of the City’s community center, she reports on operations at The Center of Clayton. She and her staff coordinate the efforts of the Clayton Century Foundation (CCF), a public-private partnership designed to support projects and activities not funded by the City budget. Patty is also staff liaison to the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission. 

During Patty’s tenure, the City received the Trailnet Award for its role in promoting active living.  In 2008, the Department was recognized by Aquatics International as The Best in Aquatics for their overall commitment to aquatics.  The new Shaw Park Tree Top Playground was completed in 2010. Through input from the community, this inclusion playground provides accessibility to children of all abilities. Bicentennial Garden in Shaw Park became the site for major works of public art by Alexander Calder and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The CCF plans to commission and install a permanent piece in the Garden in coordination with the City’s centennial in 2013. Patty coordinated the process to update the City’s Parks Master Plan. Other projects completed during her tenure include the renovation of Shaw Park Aquatic Center, Glenridge Playground, Oak Knoll Park Trail and numerous neighborhood park improvements.

Patty has a distinguished background as a collegiate swimmer. In 2006, Patty was inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame. She was a two-time All-American, and one of the most decorated swimmers in Mizzou women’s history, winning 14 Big Eight Conference championships, where she holds the Big Eight record for most career points scored in conference championships.

Patty joins a list of City staff members, who not only play major roles in significant citywide achievements; they lead regional and statewide community enhancement efforts.

Clayton’s City Manager Craig Owens serves on the Board of Directors of the Missouri City Managers Association, a group committed to responsible and responsive government, ethical behavior in the public interest.

Finance Director Don Yucuis, after serving a term as President of the Greater St. Louis Board of Government Finance Officer Association (GFOA), was elected Second Vice-President of the Missouri Board of GFOA.

Clayton’s Fire Chief Mark Thorp is currently serving a two-year term as President of the Greater St. Louis Fire Chiefs Association.

In December, Public Works Superintendent Gary Scheipeter received the 2010 Public Works Leader of the Year Award from the Missouri Chapter’s American Public Works Association. Gary was recognized for excellence and dedication as a Public Works Professional, for excelling in management and maintenance of the public infrastructure, and for over 36 years of service to the Clayton community. 

In January, Clayton’s Parks Supervisor Tim Hale received the Support Staff Award from the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association. The award was in recognition for his dedication to public safety, his integrity and creativity. Tim has helped to make Clayton’s parks system safe and enjoyable for all members of the community during his 31 years of service to Clayton.

“Clayton is recognized regionally and nationally for its high level City services,” said Mayor Linda Goldstein. “These outstanding individuals elevate this reputation through their devotion, perseverance and enthusiasm.”