Terry Trueblood was the Director of
Parks and Recreation for the City of Iowa City, Iowa, a position he held
from 1986 to the time of his death in 2009. Prior to accepting that position, he worked for the City of
Dubuque, Iowa for nearly 16 years as Assistant Recreation Director, Recreation
Director and Parks and Recreation Director.
Terry grew up in the small town of Lyons, Colorado and attended college at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where he met his advisor/mentor, Dr. J. Max Shirley. He received both his B.S. and M.A. Degrees in Parks and Recreation Administration, and worked for Dr. Shirley as both an undergraduate and graduate assistant in charge of campus recreation and intramurals.
Since joining the full time ranks of the profession in 1970, Terry has made it a priority to be active in his professional associations. At the state level, he has served in virtually every elected office, including the office of President, and has chaired numerous committees. Altogether, he has officially served on the IPRA Board of Directors "somewhere around 20 years." In 1979 he was the recipient of the state's highest award, the Richard J. Slattery Outstanding Professional Award. He also served on the Great Lakes Regional Council 15+ years, including a term as Chair, and was honored by this group in 1991 as the recipient of the region's Outstanding Professional Award. He later served six years on the Board of the American Park and Recreation Society, including a year as President, and again was honored in 1992 with the APRS Professional Meritorious Service Award. Terry is currently serving a term on the Board of Trustees of the National Recreation and Park Association, and served as Chair of the National Forum in 1999-2000.As a member of the Academy, Terry has served as Secretary and was privileged to have been elected to the office of President-elect in 2000.
The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department has received two National Gold Medal Awards, and was a finalist on two other occasions. In 1990, he was honored by his staff and the community by being selected as the "Boss of the Year" in Iowa City. [updated 12/09]