Joplin Parks Maintenance Team Wins MPRA Region 3 Rodeo, Heads to State Championship

Joplin Parks maintenance team will have a chance to earn best-in-state bragging rights on Feb. 20 in Branson competition.

On January 9, a team of 5 employees from the Joplin Parks & Recreation Department’s maintenance division attended the Missouri Parks & Recreation Association’s (MPRA) Maintenance Rodeo held in Springfield. It was a good-natured competition for regional parks departments go head-to-head for bragging rights. No surprise, but our Joplin team came out on top!

At this event, participants from 8 teams representing cities in our region competed to display their skills in operating skid steers, zero turn mowers, and backpack blowers. Plus, they compete in “project assembly” and “truck and trailer” events. These are some of the practical skills these staff use every day to serve our community and keep our parks in good condition.

The Joplin team finished as the 1^st place winner overall for Missouri Region 3. Other Missouri regions held their regional rodeos in Sedalia and St. Charles. The top two teams from each regional competition move on to the state championship competition to be held at the MPRA annual statewide parks & recreation conference, scheduled for February 20^th in Branson.

We wish the Joplin team good luck as they compete for bragging rights for the best parks maintenance crew in Missouri!

Springfield Rodeo Results:

1^st Place Truck and Trailer Obstacle Course: Jereme Glenn and Caleb Houston

1^st Place Skid Steer Obstacle Course: Aaron Callis

1^st Place Project Assembly: Jereme Glenn and Judd Belford

2^nd Place Zero Turn Mower Obstacle Course: Duane Cox