Missouri Department of Conservation Earns 2019 Organization - Citation Award'
Missouri Department of Conservation Earns 2019 ‘Organization - Citation Award’
Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) was presented with the Missouri Park and Recreation Association (MPRA) Organization - Citation Award during the 2019 MPRA Awards Banquet Thursday, February 28, at the Hilton Branson Convention Center. The award is presented annually to recognize an organization that has made an outstanding contribution to recreation and/or parks of considerable magnitude in the furtherance of parks and recreation in the state of Missouri.
The agency was nominated by Angela Sullivan, Parks Director for the City of Union, primarily for its work on the recent renovation of Union City Lake and winter trout fishing program. Sullivan also cited that the invaluable partnership made the project possible, which will ensure local fishing opportunities for many years to come for the community and visitors (of all abilities) in the award nomination.
Background
The 4-acre City Lake in Union, Missouri was originally constructed in 1955. The 61 year old dam was leaking in several spots and extensive repairs were required. In the summer of 2016, discussions began with MDC regarding the best use and practices for establishing the fishery when the dam work was complete. The initial discussions included accessibility improvements and a winter trout program. Thus the partnership between the City and MDC began.
In January 2017, the City and MDC entered into a Community Assistance Program (CAP) agreement to provide numerous renovations and improvements to the lake with accessibility at the forefront. Renovations included new sidewalks, three (3) jetties, floating dock, two (2) parking lots, four (4) aerators and new sediment basin to help prevent further siltation. The grant provided the City with $262,000 towards the project.
The City and MDC held a celebration on November 1, 2018 to commemorate the renovations, opening of winter trout fishing and the partnership between both agencies.
“The entire community would like to thank the Missouri Department of Conservation for their guidance and support throughout the project,” Sullivan said.
Missouri Department of Conservation Accepts Award
Members of the City of Union and Missouri Department of Conservation were on hand to accept the 2019 Missouri Park and Recreation Association Organization - Citation Award. The award was presented Thursday, February 28, at the Hilton Branson Convention Center among a crowd of nearly 1,000 people.
Holding the plaque, in front, from left, are Jennifer Girondo, Fisheries Management Biologist, and Angela Sullivan, Parks Director. Also shown, from left, are Bill Scheperle, Project Engineer, and Mayor Mike Livengood.