93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Columbia’s Parks and Recreation department has 78 parks, ranging from its largest, Cosmo park, to 20 neighborhood parks. It has 82 full-time employees and another approximately 600 part-time employees, with an annual budget of about $18-million. Columbia Parks and Recreation director Gabe Huffington joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable.” Mr. Huffington grew up in southwest Missouri’s Buffalo, and began his career in golf course management. He’s been with Columbia Parks and Recreation for 15 years, including about a year as director. Mr. Huffington tells listeners that Columbia’s Activity Recreation Center (ARC) and the Columbia Sports Fieldhouse have been packed recently, as people make New Year’s resolutions about fitness. He also discussed one of the fastest growing sports in the United States: pickleball:
Columbia residents enjoy trout fishing at the popular Cosmo-Bethel park, near Gentry middle school (2023 file photo courtesy of Columbia Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Tammy Miller)
