Putting Smiles First: Celebrating Angie Toebben’s 28 Years with JC Parks
When Angie Toebben first walked into a job with JC Parks nearly three decades ago, she wasn’t chasing a lifelong plan—just an opportunity.
“I saw there was a job opening as a customer service attendant,” she recalls. “I thought, why not? I have a Parks and Rec degree… let’s see what happens.”
What happened next was a 28-year career defined by creativity, connection, and a simple guiding principle: putting smiles on people’s faces.
From those early days—when she remembers flipping through outdated file cabinets and updating forms—to becoming Senior Program Manager for Youth Day Camps and Active Living, Angie helped shape the very programs that many local families now consider traditions.
In fact, she’s quick to point out that many of JC Parks’ most recognizable offerings didn’t just happen—they were built from the ground up. “I feel like I might have the record for the most programs started by somebody,” she says with a laugh. Among them are well-known programs and events like Pitch Hit & Run, Catch Me If You Can, Start Smart, youth volleyball, flag football, basketball, and multiple summer camps including Camp Oakley and Aqua Adventure Camp. Each required more than just coordination—they required vision. “Starting programs is a lot,” Angie explains. “You have to research everything, build the curriculum, find the space… it’s not just running it.” That behind-the-scenes work is something most participants never see—but they feel the results. For Angie, that’s always been the goal.
“I feel like I have my own motto,” she says. “Putting smiles on people’s faces is what brings me joy.” That joy extends far beyond the kids in her programs. Over the years, Angie has built strong relationships with staff, participants, and the broader community. One of her most meaningful memories didn’t come from a large event or milestone—but from the people she worked alongside. On her 50th birthday, her camp staff organized a scavenger hunt just for her, sending her to different camp locations with clues, gifts, and messages along the way. “It involved most of the camps,” she says. “It was awesome.” Moments like that reflect the kind of culture Angie created—one rooted in enthusiasm, creativity, and genuine care for others. It’s no surprise that when asked what song might define her career, she chose Lean on Me—a reflection of the relationships and support that have defined her work.
“I’ve always felt blessed,” she says. “I had a job that provided so much fun with so many different people.” That mindset carried her through nearly three decades of change. Programs evolved, the community grew, and technology advanced—but Angie remained focused on what mattered most: creating meaningful experiences. Even in areas that weren’t always easy—like navigating the occasional pressures of youth sports—she kept her perspective grounded.
“Getting to work with kids and making them happy… and just being creative,” she says. “I can’t imagine just sitting at a desk all day.”
Her creativity didn’t stay in one lane, either. In recent years, Angie has leaned more into outdoor education, sparked in part by her work with camps. “I’d be outside with the kids thinking, ‘I don’t even know what kind of tree this is—I should know this,’” she says. That curiosity turned into a deeper appreciation for nature, something she’s excited to carry into her next chapter.
As she looks ahead to her new role as a Training and Wellness Coordinator with Missouri State Parks, Angie sees it as a full-circle moment—returning to where her career first began as an intern. “It’s kind of like bookends,” she says. Her new role will include training, wellness support, and even joining a crisis response team for park staff across the state. She’s especially excited to continue learning and teaching, including wilderness first aid.
Still, even as she prepares for what’s next, Angie hopes her legacy with JC Parks is clear. “I hope the community remembers it in a positive and creative way,” she says. “This has always been a passion of mine.”
For a community that has benefited from 28 years of service, Angie Toebben has been someone this community could lean on—building programs, supporting staff, and creating spaces where people feel welcome, connected, and cared for.
