Steven Belk is the proud Director of the Albany Recreation & Parks Department (ARPD). In this role, he works with management, staff, local businesses, and state-wide organizations to continue serving a vital need in our community. Belk has an extensive background in managing multifaceted service organizations and is known throughout our community as an enthusiastic champion of youth involvement.

Beginning his career in local government as a teenage CETA employee, Belk was assigned to work at the Albany Recreation & Parks Department under the supervision of Mr. Paul Eames. As a result, he witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work it takes to maintain the baseball fields and keep the players and visitors safe.

Through his academic endeavors, Belk earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management & Marketing from Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina, and a Master of Science in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Belk served as Manager of the B.O.L.D. (Brave Overt Leaders of Distinction) program. Within the Gainesville Police Department, this program was established to reduce recidivism for young men between 18 and 26. In this role, Steven served an estimated 500 young men and continues to advocate for them. In addition to assisting with their primary health needs, food, transportation, and clothing, he identified wrap-around services to help them become self-sufficient and positively contributing community members.

In his current role, Belk has taken steps to review, evaluate, and restructure the Albany Recreation & Parks Department to better serve the citizens of Albany and Dougherty County. He is a visionary leader with an extensive background in budget administration, community outreach, facilities management, public policy, project management, and leisure and recreational programming.

In his mission to improve departmental programs, events, and services, Belk worked with staff and local organizations to host two large-scale, multi-location events during his first six months. The Blacktop Breakout Showcase featured indoor and outdoor games across four facility locations. Community excellence was hard at work as participants, 12 years of age and older, competed throughout the series.

During Crime Prevention Month, the department partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Albany, Albany Area YMCA, Sherwood Baptist Church, and the Dougherty County School System to host their 2022 Midnight Basketball event. Throughout the years, this event concept has reconnected communities while providing event participants with positive experiences in a safe and social environment. In the Good Life City, it did just that. Across the five facility locations, participants 11 years of age and older enjoyed fun, fellowship, five-on-five games, and age-specific mentoring sessions.

Belk is excited about the future of recreation in Albany and hopes to continue working with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to make Albany a destination. In doing so, community members can look forward to enhanced programs and events, educational opportunities, facility improvements, and more.