Jefferson City parks director resigns after being placed on leave

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The head of Jefferson City's Parks, Recreation and Forestry has resigned after he was placed on leave last month.

Todd Spalding resigned as the department's director Friday, according to a release from the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Commission. Commission members praised his work in the release, including the creation of the park on Adrian's Island and the MU Health Care Capital Region Amphitheatre. Spalding worked for JC Parks for seven years, the release says.

Parks assistant director Aaron Grefrath will fill in as the interim director.

The commission put Spalding on leave last month with a unanimous vote. He was set to stay on leave until Oct. 7 and complete a performance improvement program.

The commission has not explained the reasons for the leave or resignation.