Council Celebrates Parks Month, Voices Support for Job Corps, and Hears Annual Reports
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Excelsior Springs, Mo. – At its June 16 meeting, the Excelsior Springs City Council addressed a comprehensive agenda that highlighted the city’s ongoing investments in community health, recreation, and development. Highlights included a formal proclamation for Parks & Recreation Month, adoption of a resolution supporting the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center, and presentation of annual reports from both the Parks and Recreation Department and Excelsior Springs Hospital.
Proclamation of July as Parks & Recreation Month
Mayor Mark Spohn presented a proclamation during the June 16, 2025, City Council meeting officially designating July as Park and Recreation Month in Excelsior Springs. Recreation Coordinator Alexis Blankenship joined Mayor Spohn for the announcement. The proclamation emphasized the role parks and recreation facilities play in supporting physical and mental health, environmental health, and economic prosperity. It also acknowledged the community’s various amenities, including sports areas, hiking trails, swimming pools, educational activities, and nutrition services, which contribute to residents’ quality of life. This local recognition coincides with the national designation by the U.S. House of Representatives, reflecting Excelsior Springs’ ongoing efforts to maintain and promote community well-being through its parks and recreation programs.
Board and Commission Appointments
Three appointments to city boards and commissions were approved by resolution:
- Laurie Gehrt was appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission, completing the unexpired term of Jason VanTill, ending September 30, 2027.
- Charlie Booth was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission, filling the unexpired term of Jason VanTill, ending September 30, 2025.
- Brad McBee was appointed to the Vintage Plaza Community Improvement District Board of Directors, completing the unexpired term of Bob Craven, ending December 19, 2027.
All appointments were approved unanimously.
Council Voices Support for Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center
In response to concerns over potential federal funding cuts, the Excelsior Springs City Council unanimously adopted a resolution expressing its formal support for the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center. The resolution, read aloud by Mayor Mark Spohn, recognizes the center’s contributions to workforce development and its impact on the lives of young adults.
The action was prompted by a request from Jamie Simmons, lead carpentry instructor at the center, who contacted the mayor seeking official city backing. Mayor Spohn credited Center Director Lori Sams and her team for turning the program around and helping many students achieve meaningful personal and professional progress.
The resolution outlines the center’s role in providing career and technical education to underserved and economically disadvantaged youth. It also highlights the broader economic value the center brings to the community, including contributions to the local labor force and regional stability.
City officials voiced concern that recent federal decisions could jeopardize the center’s future. The resolution calls on the Governor of Missouri, state legislators, and Missouri’s congressional delegation to advocate for the center’s continued funding and operation.
As part of its adoption, the city will transmit the resolution to state and federal officials in an effort to reinforce community support and encourage legislative backing.
Public Hearing on Oxford House Request Moved to Community Center
Council approved Resolution No. 1585, which amends a previously adopted resolution by changing the location of an upcoming public hearing. Originally set for July 22, 2025, at the Hall of Waters, the hearing will now take place at the Excelsior Springs Community Center in Rooms A & B on the same date and time—6:00 p.m.
The hearing concerns a reasonable accommodation request filed by Oxford House, Inc., on behalf of residents at 21 Dawn Avenue. City Manager Molly McGovern explained that the change was necessary due to a scheduling conflict with the municipal court’s use of the Hall of Waters on that evening. The new location was confirmed with the community center in advance.
All notification procedures required under city code will be followed, including mailed notices to nearby property owners and the applicant. The resolution was passed unanimously.
2024 ESPRCC Annual Report
2024 Annual Parks and Recreation Report Showcases Expanded Services, Strong Community Ties
Parks and Recreation Director Nate Williams delivered a comprehensive annual report, marking the first time operations of the Parks Department and Community Center were presented as a unified entity under the ESPRCC (Excelsior Springs Parks, Recreation, and Community Center). Williams described how the two divisions, while still separately funded through property and sales tax, have merged in function to serve the community better.
New Branding and Direction
Williams introduced the department’s new guiding motto, “Start with play. Have fun. Make memories.” Designed to replace a generic and forgettable mission statement, the new slogan is used in staff messaging, shirts, and outreach, reinforcing the department’s focus on meaningful and accessible recreation.
Recreation Participation and Community Use
Recreational engagement remained strong in 2024:
- Youth and Adult Sports: 796 individuals participated in traditional leagues and women’s volleyball.
- General Programs: A total of 971 individuals participated in activities such as summer programs, sports camps, and the Movies in the Park series.
- Special Events: 111 participants joined events such as the Earth Day Cleanup and the Candy Cane Hunt.
- Senior Programs: Over 13,000 meals were served through the Launch program, in addition to cookouts and holiday events, demonstrating robust engagement from older adults.
- Fitness and Performance: 1,185 participants joined fitness programs; 1,743 participated in performance training, including athletes ranging from recreational users to NFL player Sam Webb.
Aquatics and Facility Rentals
- 374 participated in swim programming, including lessons and special events like the Pumpkin Plunge.
- The Community Center hosted 208 rentals; an additional 111 were logged for outdoor park shelters and fields.
- Events like Fall Fest drew nearly 1,000 attendees, and programs such as Kids in the Kitchen attracted 1,920 participants to special events.
Financial Health
The Community Center’s revenue through memberships and program fees reached $1.57 million in 2024, helping to offset operating costs. The Parks and Recreation Division operated near break-even, despite challenges in balancing maintenance and programming costs.
Major Projects and Capital Investment
- Boundless Backyard Park: Major groundwork, including an eighth-mile trail, restroom plumbing, curbing, and preparation of the parking lot, was completed. Construction of the inclusive playground awaits a potential $500,000 LWCF grant, with award decisions expected by September 2026. Until then, a fenced grass area will remain untouched to meet grant requirements.
- Siloam Springs Park: Opened using refurbished equipment from Lewis Elementary and land donated by the McElwee family. The park was completed thanks to a second donation from the family, covering all construction costs.
- Competition Aquatics: The competition pool saw its first full operational year, including seasonal dome use. The city’s youth swim team, Purple Wave, had over 100 participants.
Partnerships and Outreach
The department strengthened ties with the Excelsior Springs School District, hosting second-grade swim lessons, co-sponsoring the Special Olympics, and engaging students in facility setup and maintenance. Assistant Director Drake has also served as a guest PE teacher, helping to motivate students through direct engagement.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, ESPRCC plans to upgrade all park facilities for full accessibility, moving beyond basic ADA compliance. This includes transitioning from mulch surfaces to more inclusive materials and installing shade structures to ensure usability in summer heat. The department aims to position Excelsior Springs as a destination for high-quality, inclusive recreational experiences.
Excelsior Springs Hospital Annual Report Reflects Resilience, Growth, and Forward Momentum
Excelsior Springs Hospital CEO Kristen DeHart presented the 2024 annual report to the City Council, offering a candid overview of a year marked by financial headwinds, operational improvements, and critical transitions in services and leadership.
Patient Services and Expansion
The hospital saw continued growth in core services, including increases in outpatient visits (from 9,200 to 11,200), lab tests (560,000 in 2024), and pharmacy doses delivered (106,200). Emergency department visits rose slightly, while community meal distribution jumped from 96,000 to over 133,000—highlighting the hospital’s expanded role in meeting basic needs such as food access.
Quality Metrics and Awards
DeHart highlighted the hospital’s strong performance in quality of care, including zero hospital-acquired infections, 30-day readmissions below the national average, and consistently under 50-minute transfer times for trauma and stroke patients. Operationally, the average inpatient stay was 3.16 days, and emergency patients were typically triaged and seen by a provider within 14 and 10 minutes, respectively.
The hospital also received significant recognition, including a $75,000 American Hospital Association grant for innovations in infection control and a $25,000 patient safety grant. A clean lab accreditation and a $1.55 million grant from the Clay County Children’s Services Fund supported its psychiatric services for youth.
Financial Overview
Excelsior Springs Hospital generated over $130 million in gross patient revenue in FY2024, a nearly 29% increase over the previous year. Operating costs declined slightly, resulting in a positive net income of $9.7 million. Still, DeHart emphasized the impact of ongoing challenges tied to electronic health record and billing system transitions. Clearinghouse delays created temporary cash flow gaps, prompting reliance on short-term loans, including city-approved interfund support and draws from a line of credit with Optum Financial.
Service Line Transitions
Two major transitions occurred in 2024-25: the closure of the hospital’s home health and hospice services due to persistent financial losses, and the end of its management agreement with North Kansas City Hospital. Pharmacy and biomedical services have been integrated in-house, and a new group purchasing agreement with KU CLS/Vizient has already resulted in cost savings.
Two longtime providers, Dr. Robert Buzard and Nurse Practitioner Tish Davis, will depart from Excelsior Springs Primary Care at the end of June. The Express Clinic will temporarily close for deep cleaning and renovations during the transition.
Workforce and Partnerships
With approximately 300 employees, the hospital emphasized its commitment to a positive workplace culture grounded in compassion and collaboration. Staff engagement includes community service projects and morale-boosting recognition programs.
Partnerships with local organizations—ranging from Excelsior Springs School District and Rotary to Clay County social services—play a key role in bridging healthcare access and support throughout the region.
Challenges and Future Outlook
DeHart acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing rural hospitals, including thin operating margins, limited specialty services, and regulatory complexity. Still, she expressed confidence in the hospital’s direction, citing strengthened community ties, expanded services, and strategic financial planning.
Excelsior Springs Hospital remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality care close to home. As DeHart summarized, “Giving up is never an option. Our team is the face of hope and healing in our community.”
May Revenue Report and Financials for Review
At the June 16 City Council meeting, Finance Director Vonda Floyd presented the city’s financial report for May 2025. The report, submitted for review and audit purposes only, detailed total appropriations of $2,962,092.80 across four disbursement periods and two payroll cycles. Revenues received during the same period totaled $2,321,888.29. Floyd confirmed that all expenditures were made in accordance with the city’s purchasing policy. No council action was required.
Remarks
At the close of the June 16 City Council meeting, City Manager Molly McGovern previewed several upcoming administrative items, including a transmittal from Navitas highlighting unexpected cost savings from recent energy efficiency upgrades at the Community Center. Originally projected to save $60,000 annually, the upgrades are now estimated to save closer to $190,000. McGovern also proposed a special meeting for June 30 to address pending matters, including insurance, a refuge support contract, and the school resource officer agreement.
During council remarks, members echoed appreciation for the presentations from Parks and Recreation and Excelsior Springs Hospital earlier in the evening. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John praised the leadership of both organizations, noting their ability to overcome challenges and continue providing strong community services. Councilman Gary Renne shared his pride in the city’s recent community events, including Shop Late Local, Lyrics on the Lawn, the community theatre, and Movies in the Park. Councilman John McGovern and Councilman Stephen Spear reiterated support for the hospital and Parks and Rec, with Spear citing a physician who prefers working in Excelsior Springs as high praise. Mayor Mark Spohn closed with comments about attending local events and announced an upcoming mural unveiling scheduled for Thursday evening.
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