At last night's City Council meeting, Council voted unanimously to name the lake at Hickory Glen Park Rick’s Reservoir to honor the City’s former Parks and Recreation Manager, Rick Courcier. A copy of the resolution was presented to Jim and Connie Courcier, parents of Rick.
Rick was a dedicated and passionate advocate for the City of Pleasant Hill. He began his career as an intern and then Recreation Coordinator in 2005 following his graduation from the University of Northern Iowa. His commitment to the community was recognized in 2017 when he was promoted to Parks and Recreation Manager to lead the parks division for the City. Through his 15-year tenure, Rick embodied the true spirit of a public servant in his dedication and passionate service to the community.
The City continues to celebrate the legacy of Rick every day through the work he laid the foundation for in enhancing every park, program, relationship and event.
Rick was integral to the planning and development of the City’s largest Park, Hickory Glen. His thoughtful feedback and expertise enhanced the final master plan to create a legacy park for all community members to enjoy. He was dedicated to the development during the first phase of construction, regularly meeting with the contractor and successfully applying for grant opportunities to enhance the park and water body to the prominent feature it is today.
Rick was excited about the potential Hickory Glen Park has to offer for recreational opportunities for the residents of Pleasant Hill and the greater Des Moines metro. He saw this as a signature park for the community that will be developed, loved, and experienced for generations.
The Pleasant Hill Lions Club prepared the nomination for naming the water body in recognition of Rick’s partnership with the organization on the annual fishing derby. Rick’s enthusiasm for the fishing derby was evident – he was always the first to arrive for set up and last to leave following clean up with his infectious smile shining the entire time helping kids bait hooks and reel in their prizes.
Sadly, Rick Courcier passed away in September 2020. It is our hope that family, friends, and community members will reflect on the legacy of Rick and appreciate the beauty of the waterbody by visiting Rick’s Reservoir for generations to come.