Kingsport Parks and Recreation seeks Community Feedback
Department recently underwent a reorganization for greater efficiency, responsiveness
The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is developing a new master plan with short-term and long-term goals, which aim to cultivate a stronger community through exceptional programs, facilities and recreational opportunities.
With that in mind, the City of Kingsport needs the community’s help. Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation Department has launched an online citizen survey and will be hosting public meetings to receive feedback from the community.
“The master plan will serve as a roadmap for the next five years of Parks and Recreation in Kingsport, guiding thoughtful decisions about how facilities, programs, and resources are managed and developed,” said Assistant City Manager Michael Borders. “Participation in the citizen survey and public meetings helps to ensure that resources are deployed where they will most benefit the Kingsport community.”
The survey will be open for three weeks and is available for Kingsport residents now, at the following link: https://bit.ly/kpr-survey
Four public, drop-in style meetings will be held in September and October at the following location:
- September 27 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) at the Kingsport Farmers Market.
- October 2 (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) at the Kingsport Aquatic Center.
- October 23 (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) at the Kingsport Renaissance Center Atrium.
- October 27 (5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.) at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex Douglass Room.
Additionally, Kingsport is pleased to announce an internal reorganization that aims to consolidate several divisions that provide recreational and cultural services into a single, unified Department of Parks and Recreation.
This reorganization brings together the former divisions of Parks and Recreation, Cultural Arts, Special Events, Parks Maintenance, the Senior Center, and the Kingsport Aquatic Center under one department.
The goal of this consolidation is to better serve Kingsport residents by creating a more efficient and responsive organization. By bringing these related services and facilities together, the city can streamline operations, encourage greater collaboration among staff, and deliver a consistent and high-quality experience for a stronger and more vibrant community.
Leading the newly organized department is Tyler Wicks, who is Kingsport’s fourth Director of Parks and Recreation. Wicks has served the city since 2021 at Bays Mountain Park, most recently as Chief Ranger, and previously worked for Tennessee State Parks.
Joining Wicks on the department’s leadership team are Chassy Smiley, Superintendent of Recreation Services; Kristie Leonard, Superintendent of Cultural Services; Zach Drozdowski, Park Services Manager; Shirley Buchanan, Senior Center Manager; and Wendy Terrazas, Aquatic Center Manager.
“This is a pivotal moment for Parks and Recreation in Kingsport,” Wicks said. “As we launch this master planning process and bring all of our recreation and cultural services together under one department, we’re inviting residents to share their voices and ideas. Your input will help shape the vision for how our parks, programs, and facilities can best serve Kingsport.”
