Williams’ Statewide Honor Reflects Community Growth, Team Spirit

Excelsior Springs, Mo.—Nate Williams, director of Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation and Community Center, has received the Missouri Parks & Recreation Distinguished Associate Fellow Award. This award shines a spotlight on not just his personal dedication but also the spirit and innovation of the entire community.

“Awards, they’re awkward,” Williams said with a laugh. “They’re not mine. I’m surrounded by a really good team.” Still, the recognition is a significant milestone, culminating years of collaborative effort and growth in Excelsior Springs’ parks, facilities, and programs, piloted by Williams’ leadership and innovation. 

The Missouri Parks & Recreation Distinguished Associate Fellow Award is among the highest honors presented by the state’s parks and recreation association. It was created to recognize outstanding professionals who show exemplary leadership, innovation, and sustained commitment to their communities, it awards individuals whose efforts have resulted in transformative programs, facilities, and outreach. This year’s conference was hosted in Branson, Missouri. 

A Team and Community Focus

Williams emphasizes that the award is more than just a personal accolade. “Any award that the department earns is really a reflection of the department,” he said. 

The results speak for themselves. From Century Bark, the city’s first dedicated dog park, to Rainbow Splash Park, a family-friendly attraction that evolved from the formerly beloved Rainbow Swim Club, the parks department has delivered a series of transformative projects. Williams’ staff have designed and built the equipment and structures themselves when possible, showing both the creativity and resourcefulness of their small and passionate team.

Innovation and Impact

Not long after Williams took the helm, Excelsior Springs added or improved facilities that are now enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Whether it’s a new dog park or an inclusive playground in the works—aptly named Boundless Backyard—each project reflects Williams’ philosophy of leaving the community “better than the way you found it.”

“Sometimes we get negative reactions at first,” Williams admitted, referencing the early days of Century Bark. “But once it opened, people realized it’s not just about dogs; it’s about the people who love them, too. That sense of community really grows from these projects.”

Beyond expansions and upgrades, Williams and his team place a strong emphasis on bridging gaps. He notes the department’s efforts to create meaningful experiences for seniors, kids, and everyone in between, whether that’s with programs like Popsicles on the Patio, or other playful intergenerational events. “We want people together, building connections,” he said. “That’s where real community happens.”

Looking Ahead

As Williams looks to the future, Boundless Backyard—an inclusive playground designed to serve children of all abilities and ages—stands out as the next big milestone. “It’ll probably be the last major new park addition for a while,” he explained, referencing the city’s need to maintain existing spaces. “But it’s going to fill an enormous gap, giving families and kids a place that’s truly accessible and fun.”

After Boundless Backyard, the parks department plans to revisit older facilities, replacing or upgrading aging playgrounds with more modern structures. “We’re on a small budget,” Williams said, “but we strive to deliver a big-city experience. We’ve got a maintenance crew with amazing skill sets, and they build a lot of our features in-house. That helps us do more than people expect with the resources we have.”

A Culture of Play

If there’s one word that pops up repeatedly in conversation with Williams, it’s “play.” Whether referencing children in after-school programs, seniors discovering new activities, or dog owners chatting at the park, play is central to Excelsior Springs’ identity.

“Everything starts with play,” Williams said. “Kids already have so much structure at school. We want them to be kids again once they come to the parks. Even the staff should have as much fun as the people using our facilities. That’s how you build community.”

Family and Community Roots

Williams balances a busy family life with his role at the parks and community center. At home, his wife and he recently welcomed their fourth child, joining an 11-year-old, a three-year-old, and a two-year-old. He finds real joy when neighbors meet at local spots and families share smiles at parks and events, including his own. For him, every long day or project is a reminder of why he chose this path—to bring people together and make Excelsior Springs a better place to live.

Vision for the Future

Looking beyond the personal honor, Williams insists the real winner is Excelsior Springs itself. “It’s about forging connections—between seniors and kids, between small towns around us, and between neighbors who might otherwise never meet,” he said. “That’s the mission: start with play, have fun, make memories.”

Whether it’s the splash pad, an innovative playground project, or a new program bridging gaps between generations, the future of parks and recreation in Excelsior Springs remains bright. And for Williams, that’s the true reward.

“Everything we do is a reflection of the whole community,” he said. “We’re just here to bring it to life.”