History

In 1972, the Rutherford County Commission formed the Conservation Board to create and implement a county-wide recreational program. The board tapped Oakland High teacher and head girl’s basketball coach, Ben Cates, to lead and develop this new initiative.  Mr. Cates with the Conservation Board’s approval, designed a program and staffed it at locations across Rutherford County. He later added Jr. Pro sports, softball, adult volleyball, and continued to expand the number of locations through the years. The late Mr. Cates retired in 2018, but before he retired, he recommended that Joseph Reed be his successor as Recreation Director. Mr. Reed is a former head boys’ basketball coach and currently  teaches technology at Eagleville High School.

Mr. Reed has brought fresh ideas and new programs to County Recreation. He just recently added soccer, pickleball, and disc golf at different locations with plans to add more over time. 

Mr. Reed and the Board dealt with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic;  they employed measures to help keep Rec. open and keep participants safe during the worst of the outbreak. 

 We are proud of our past, but are looking forward to the future of Rutherford County Recreation.