Tom Robertson, 55, has been the Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director since May 2000.

His last day on the job is June 30 ,2023.

Robertson said he has served the Fort Scott community to the best of his ability, developing relationships with many community leaders, and representing the Fort Scott Recreation Commission and BRCC with “high moral values and leadership.”

“Th best part of my job was to improve the quality of life for the Fort Scott families,” he said.  “Dealing with all ages that want to be active, serving the community through offering of programs, events or facilities.”

The biggest challenges of his job?

“Finding quality, responsible volunteers and staff to carry out the programs that we offer,” he said. “And staying within a restricted budget.” Also working evening, weekends and holiday hours, ” when the patrons want to be active.”

Thinking back over the 23 years he feels his accomplishments are:

• Working to not increase the mill levy, a tax.
• Helping organize “Pennies in the Park” with the Youth Activity Team and also three concerts that featured Country singers Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. All money raised went to providing a sand volleyball court, outdoor basketball court, lighting at two ball fields, a walking trail at Ellis Park.
• Hosting various district and state Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth baseball tournaments.
• Helping to secure a half-cent 10 year sales tax to build an additional phase to Buck Run Community Center and the renovation of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
• Hosting community events: Corporate Olympics, corn hole and  pickle ball tournaments, as well as others.
• Renovating unused tennis courts to four lighted outdoor pickleball courts.
• Serving on the Gunn Park Committee that hosted many Christmas in the Park events as well as Independence Day, Halloween and other holiday activities in the park.

There have been many changes in the Buck Run Community Center in his tenure:

• The new phase of the center that included a fitness center, locker rooms, racketball court, additional office and lobby space in 2012.
• The renovation of the center’s kitchen in 2020.
• The renovation of the youth dance studio upstairs in 2020.
• New services introduced in his tenure:
• Youth indoor soccer, pickleball tournaments and open play, co-sponsored camps with the Fort Scott High School, corn hole leagues and tournaments.
• An annual fundraiser for Adopt a Family,  that included garage sales, corn hole tourneys and middle school dances.
• The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Competitions for the community to become more health conscience.

Robertson has big plans for his retirement.

“I’m getting married the first day of retirement, July 1,” he said. “To Becky Colding from Chanute. She will be moving to Fort Scott. She has accepted the job of administrative assistant for the Bourbon County Public Works Department.”

He plans on staying active but also spending time with his family.

“I want to find a job that is rewarding but not stressful,” he said. “(And) being the best dad, grandpa, husband, son, brother and friend I can be.”

About the Fort Scott Recreation Commission

All employees of FSRC work for U.S.D. # 234, that levies taxes.  The city of Fort Scott has contracted the FSRC to manage Buck Run Community Center. The FSRC has their own budget and board.

The mission of the Fort Scott Recreation Commission is to promote the development of a healthy and productive life for the citizens who reside in the USD #234 School District through broad based recreational opportunities, according to its Facebook page.

The Fort Scott Recreation Commission has a board consisting of five members serving three  or four terms. These are non compensated positions. Tammy Hill is the chairperson, board membersare Adam Lancaster, Stewart Gulager, Mike Chipman and Susan Marbery.