RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-534

A resolution recognizing Tommy Lynch recipient of the 2016 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association Fellow Award.

WHEREAS, during the 65th annual conference of the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA) the organization bestowed its highest honor, the 2016 “Fellow Award” to Tommy Lynch; and

WHEREAS, since 1972 the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association, annually presents their “Fellow Award” in recognition of TRPA members who have made outstanding contributions to the parks, recreation and conservation field over and above their normal expected duties; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Lynch has been a Parks Department employee since 1971 and has served in variety of positions beginning with his employment as a Recreation Leader at Kirkpatrick Community Center; and

WHEREAS, in 1980, he was named Superintendent of Revenue Producing Facilities; Assistant Director of Parks/Revenue Producing Facilities in 1983, and took on dual responsibilities as Assistant Director of Finance and Administration and Revenue Producing Facilities from 1995-1998; and

WHEREAS, he was named Director of the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation in 2010; and

WHEREAS, since that time, through the Open Space Plan, he has overseen the acquisition of more than 3000 acres of land bringing the total park acreage to 15,873; and

WHEREAS, he has shown leadership in the effort to preserve and protect areas adjacent to the Cumberland River, as well as the Harpeth River, Mill Creek, Whites Creek and Richland Creek; and

WHEREAS, he has led the effort to oversee 600 employees, 185 parks, 7 Regional Centers, 19 neighborhood centers, 4 nature centers, 10 aquatic features, 7 dog parks, 7 public golf courses, over 200 miles of trails and greenways, more than 35 historic sites and structures, the Centennial Sportsplex, a fitness, tennis, aquatic and hockey facility, the Parthenon, Hamilton Creek Marina, Wave Country, and a Parks Police Force, which also includes a Mounted Patrol; and

WHEREAS, under his leadership, Metro Parks is currently developing a countywide Parks and Greenways Master Plan, which should be finalized in early 2017 shortly before his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Lynch has always led by example with professionalism, knowledge, experience, and common sense and has selflessly given countless hours of public service; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes and congratulates Tommy Lynch as the 2016 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association Fellow Award recipient and commends him for his dedication, service and commitment to Nashville and Davidson County.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Tommy Lynch recipient of the 2016 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association Fellow Award.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Tommy Lynch.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Karen Johnson, Angie Henderson, Sheri Weiner, Kevin Rhoten, Tanaka Vercher, Mina Johnson, Scott Davis, Samuel Coleman, Robert Swope, John Cooper, Larry Hagar, Holly Huezo, Burkley Allen, Jeremy Elrod, Dave Rosenberg, Jeff Syracuse, Colby Sledge, Bob Mendes, Nick Leonardo, DeCosta Hastings, Fabian Bedne, Edward Kindall, Steve Glover, Sharon Hurt, Bill Pridemore, Russ Pulley, Kathleen Murphy, Freddie O'Connell, Mary Carolyn Roberts, Brenda Haywood, Jim Shulman, Erica Gilmore, Davette Blalock, Jacobia Dowell, Michael Freeman, Anthony Davis