RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-620

A resolution recognizing Tommy Lynch on the occasion of his retirement for 46 years of service to the Parks and Recreation Department of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County.

WHEREAS, Tommy Lynch has served as an employee of the Metro Parks Department since 1971, beginning with his role as a summer recreation leader at the age of seventeen at Kirkpatrick Community Center in East Nashville; and

WHEREAS, he was named Superintendent of Revenue Producing Facilities in 1980; 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 Interim Director 2010 – 2011; and

WHEREAS, he was named Director of the Metropolitan Department of Parks and Recreation in November 2011; and

WHEREAS, since that time, through the Open Space Plan, he has overseen the acquisition of more than 3000 acres of land bringing Nashville’s 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, Tommy Lynch was co-recipient, along with his brother, of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award in 2011 for his leadership efforts during the clean up after the devastating flood of 2010; and

WHEREAS, under his leadership, Metro Parks developed a comprehensive, countywide Parks and Greenways Master Plan, which was finalized in March of 2017 shortly before his retirement; and

WHEREAS, he has led the effort to oversee 600 employees, 185 parks, seven regional centers, nineteen neighborhood centers, four nature centers, ten aquatic features, seven dog parks, seven public golf courses, over 200 miles of trails and greenways, more than 35 historic sites and structures, the Centennial Sportsplex, the Parthenon, Hamilton Creek Marina, Wave Country, and a parks police force; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA) bestowed on Tommy Lynch its highest honor, the 2016 “Fellow Award,” which recognizes TRPA members who have made outstanding contributions to the parks, recreation and conservation field over and above their normal expected duties; and

WHEREAS, his passionate support and leadership helped facilitate the clarification of the naming of Frederick Douglass Park; and

WHEREAS, he was honored during the 2017 Metro Nashville Arbor Day Celebration with a tree planted in Centennial Park in tribute to his years of service.

WHEREAS, Tommy Lynch has led by example with professionalism, enthusiasm, 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 upon his retirement and commends him for his service to Metro Parks and the citizens of Nashville.

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 for his 46 years of service to Nashville.

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: Kevin Rhoten, Sheri Weiner, Jeff Syracuse, Burkley Allen, Anthony Davis, Karen Johnson, Mina Johnson, Colby Sledge, Robert Swope, Steve Glover, Mary Carolyn Roberts, Larry Hagar, Freddie O'Connell