Kevin Yates has been the Executive Director of Chillicothe Park District since 2000. Under his leadership, the park district has experienced tremendous growth with many significant improvements. It has evolved from 40 acres, one pool, a pavilion and an aging clubhouse to 196 acres and nine facilities. During this time, he supervised the design and construction of the Shore Acres Pool aquatic facility; acquisition and natural restoration of the 48-acre wooded bluff known as Coal Hollow; and development of the Walnut Dog Park, Chillicothe Skate Park, Santa Fe Park and Stone Water Park, as well as the centennial renovation of the historic Shore Acres Clubhouse. 

Mr. Yates has a passion for parks, recreation and his community. His involvement in numerous associations, including non-profits, reflects this. He has been instrumental in promoting Chillicothe as a volunteer for the Chillicothe Optimist Club and member of the Marketing and Tourism Committee. Since 2002, he has been a trustee, and is currently the president, for the Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association whose focus is to provide quality recreation programs and services to individuals with disabilities and special needs. In addition, Mr. Yates served as the Board President for the Chillicothe Illinois Chamber of Commerce, as a Board Member for the Pearce Community Center and the Central Illinois Recreation & Leisure Entities, and founding member of the Tri2Beat MS Kids Triathlon. 

Impressively, Mr. Yates has also coached basketball, baseball and cross-country teams. As one of the National Recreation and Park Association-certified directors in the country, Mr. Yates has earned the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Junior High Coach of the Year Award and was named as by Peoria Magazine as one of its 40 Leaders Under 40, among other honors.