ROBERT H. HODGE, M.D. (1963-75) #71As part of #KCParks125, we are featuring all Park Board Commissioners in order of their service.Dr. Robert Henry Hodge (1920-2012) was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Robert graduated from North Kansas City High School, Central Methodist College (now University) in Fayette, MO, and Washington University School in Medicine in St. Louis. His father was a physician. Robert was in the Army Medical Corps during World War II. His twin brother, William, served in the Marines. Older brothers Campbell served in the Marines and Russell in the Navy.In 1944, Robert married Anna Mae Besgrove of Fayette. They had three children.After completing his medical internship and residency at Kansas City’s General Hospital, Dr. Hodge practiced internal medicine in North Kansas City for over thirty years. He was active in several medical organizations. He also became involved in Kansas City North community affairs.In 1963 Dr. Hodge was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Park Commissioners as the first representative from north of the Missouri River by Mayor Ilus Davis at the recommendation of his law partner, Gerald Gorman. Dr. Hodge stayed on the Board until 1975, serving as President of the Board from 1971 until 1975. In 1970 he was elected President of the National Recreation and Park Association‘s Board of Trustees. He was the first Kansas Citian to be elected to the post. After Dr. Hodge left the Kansas City Park Board in April 1975, Mayor Charles Wheeler suggested that Shoal Creek Park north of the river be renamed as Robert H. Hodge Park. The name change passed on September 16, 1975. This decision was not popular with some of the residents who lived in the Shoal Creek area who felt the Shoal Creek name was more historically connected to the area. The Shoal Creek name was retained in the naming of the section within Hodge Park where historical buildings are located at “Shoal Creek Heritage Village” (now Shoal Creek Living History Museum) and the naming of Shoal Creek Parkway.More on #KCParks Facebook page.