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 has brought fresh ideas and new programs to County Recreation. He just recently added disc golf at one of our locations with plans to add more over time. 

Last year, Mr. Reed and the Board dealt with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic; they employed measures to help keep participants safe during the worst of the outbreak. So far, County Rec has been successful keeping our participants safe.

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