Hetrick appointed director of Oak Ridge Recreation, Parks

Jon Hetrick has been appointed director of the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department, City Manager Mark Watson announced Friday. Hetrick has been the acting director since Josh Collins retired in October.

As director, Hetrick will manage and direct the activities the city’s recreation and parks programs, services, and facilities, including the Civic Center, and Scarboro and Senior centers, as well as the Centennial Golf Course. His work responsibilities will include overseeing summer programs and supervising a staff of more than 80 seasonal and regular employees.

“I look forward to having Jon officially on the Oak Ridge management team,” Watson said in a press release. “Over the past three months, I have had an opportunity to observe Jon and his love for the Oak Ridge community. Jon has an eye for detail and meticulously analyzes how we can make things the best they can be. There are many projects ahead where we can use Jon’s expertise, including enhancement and use of our recreational facilities and the re-build of the International Friendship Bell.”

“I am very excited to have this opportunity and appreciative that the city manager has placed his confidence in me,” Hetrick said. “As a longtime resident of Oak Ridge, I enjoyed the wonderful park system for many years prior to my employment with the city. The Recreation and Parks Department has a very dedicated and professional staff, and it will be a privilege to work with them as we continue to improve recreational services for our community.”

Hetrick has served as the division director of Parks and Parks Maintenance since 2003. He has been active in planning, design, and maintenance of city facilities, and has recently worked with the city manager on the possible transition of Clark Center Park to the city. The press release said he helped oversee the construction of the new PetSafe dog park, and also the building and development of the popular trail system along Melton Lake Drive and Haw Ridge.

A Pennsylvania native, Hetrick has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and landscape design from the University of Tennessee. His work history includes management and supervisory positions in private nurseries, landscaping companies, and residential construction. His salary is $69,805.

For more information about the City of Oak Ridge, visit the website at www.oakridgetn.gov.