Parks and Recreation

Administration

From the Director's Office

Mayor Announces Metro Parks Director
Interim Tommy Lynch Named to Post

Interim Director Tommy LynchNASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 1, 2011) -
Mayor Karl Dean today announced that Tommy Lynch has been named director of Metro Parks and Recreation. Lynch had been serving as interim director since Jan. 1, 2010 and has worked 40 years at Metro Parks.

At a meeting today, the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation voted unanimously to name Lynch the permanent director. The appointment is effective immediately.

“Tommy brings a lifetime of experience to this position and did an outstanding job as interim director in the way he managed the parks system and its financial situation,” Dean said. “I worked closely with him on the ‘Walk 100 Miles with the Mayor’ initiative and our current ‘Mayor’s Challenge 5K,’ and, like me, Tommy believes parks and greenways are an important part of making Nashville a healthier city. This man truly loves our parks system.”

Lynch started his career with Metro Parks as a community center recreation leader. He has served as Assistant Director for Special Services, Superintendent of Special Services, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation/Aquatics, Assistant Sports Supervisor and Community Center Director.

“Challenges present opportunities, and the challenge of being named interim director during trying budget times for the Parks Department presented me with the opportunity to demonstrate my abilities and now be named permanent director,” Lynch said. “I am grateful to the Parks Board for its confidence in my capabilities and competence as an administrator. Working in the Parks Department has truly been a blessing, and I treasure the impact a vibrant Parks and Recreation Department has on making Nashville a better community.”

Lynch has a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He has completed programs sponsored by the National Recreation and Parks Association and in golf course and aquatics management.

He has served on the American Red Cross Safety Services Board, YMCA Green Hills Citizen Advisory Board, Bellevue Community Athletic Program Board of Directors and the Parochial School System of Nashville Diocesan Athletic Council. He has been active in the National and Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association.

Centennial Park Office
Nashville, TN 37201
Phone:(615) 862-8400
Fax: (615) 862-8414

The Metro Board of Parks and Recreation Board meets the first Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise indicated, at the Metro Parks Conference Room located on 2565 Park Plaza. View schedule.

The Greenways Commission is located at 2565 Park Plaza, Nashville, TN 37203. View meeting dates.

Board of Parks and Recreation (Created by Charter Section 11.1001)

  • Ms. Ivanetta Davis Samuels, Chairperson
    929 Russell Street
    Nashville, TN 37206
    O: 327-6419
    iedavis@yahoo.com
    (term expiration-April 30, 2013)
  • Mr. Stan Fossick, Vice-chairperson
    Mid-South Wire Co.
    1070 Visco Drive
    Nashville, TN 37210
    O: 743-2890
    sfossick@midsouthwire.com
    (term expiration-April 30, 2015)
  • Mr. James Lawson
    3969 Lloyd Road
    Whites Creek, TN 37189
    O: 327-6351
    jlawson@mmc.edu
    (term expiration-April 30, 2012)
  • Mr. George Anderson
    2220 Woodmont Boulevard
    Nashville, TN 37215
    C: 300-5234
    Gja2220@gmail.com
    (term expiration-April 30, 2014)
  • Mr. Charles McTorry
    604 Bloomfield Way
    Brentwood, TN 37027
    O: 391-0808
    McTorryc@gmail.com
    (term expiration-March 30, 2016)
  • Ms. Kay Simmons (Appointee from the School Board)
    3814 Richland Avenue
    Nashville, TN 37205
    H: 297-8637
    Kay.simmons@mnps.org
    (annual appointment to expire June 30, 2011)
  • Mr. Phil Ponder (Appointee from Planning Commission)
    4120 Andrew Jackson Parkway
    Hermitage, TN 37076
    H: 883-5149 FAX: 883-8246
    panddponder@bellsouth.net
    (annual appointment to expire June 9, 2012)

Administrative Staff

Name Position
Tommy Lynch Director
Janet Frazier Administrative Assistant to Director
Mike Bays Assistant Director - Consolidated Maintenance
Tommy Lynch Assistant Director - Special Services
Paul Widman Assistant Director - Recreation, Cultural and Wellness Division
Jackie Jones Superintendant - Community Affairs and Special Events
Shain Dennison Director - Greenways
Tim Netsch Planning and Facilities Development
Bob Parrish Superintendent- Natural Resources
Henderson Kelly Recreation Superintendent/Neighborhood Centers
Bill Troup Recreation Superintendent/Regional Centers
Gordon Richard Special Events Coordinator
Dottie Hale Superintendent - Sports
Sally Davis Superintendent - Golf Operations
Cheryl Brown Golf Memberships
Pam Crenshaw Human Resources Coordinator
Chris Taylor Park Police Captain
Wesley Paine Director - Parthenon
Lauren Bufferd Director of Operations - Parthenon
John Holmes Facilities Manager - Centennial Sportsplex

Metro Parks strives to provide diversified recreational facilities and programs across Davidson County. Metro Parks offers everything from art classes and galleries, to sports leagues, golf courses, and special population programs.

It is the purpose of the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation to provide and maintain sufficient acreage and facilities to effectively offer the most diversified recreational services possible. In doing so we are to insure that all citizens, regardless of income level, have equal opportunity and choice of participation.

The Metro Board of Parks and Recreation does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin, or disability in admission, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. The department does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. For questions, concerns, or requests regarding the American Disabilities Act call (615) 862-8400, Centennial Park Office, Nashville, TN 37201.