Two Chattanooga Recreation Professionals Awarded

Two of Chattanooga’s long standing recreation professionals were recognized with the highest honors in the District/Municipal Awards Category at this year’s annual Tennessee Parks and Recreation Association State Conference. Jim Long, Facility Manager at John A. Patten Recreation Center, won the Robert R. Horsley Award which is given to an individual for the Most Outstanding Community Program at the recreation center level and Clarence Williams, Facility Manager of the Eastgate Senior Activities Center, won the Maynard Glenn Award which is given to an individual for the Most Outstanding Program available citywide.

Councilwoman Linda Bennett will recognize Jim Long and his staff at the upcoming Annual Lookout Valley Christmas Parade and Community Celebration on Saturday, December 8th. The parade will proceed from the Lookout Valley High School at 12:30 p.m. and end at the John A. Patten Recreation Center (at approximately 1:00 p.m.) for a community celebration, lunch, children’s activities, door prizes, and entertainment.

With 25 years of service to the City of Chattanooga, Jim Long is one of the Recreation Department’s best examples of community development and partnership building. A life-long resident of Lookout Valley as well as a creative facilitator, Jim Long has developed a community resource base that not only participates in, but provides the vast array of programming for his facility. As a result of Jim’s efforts the John A. Patten Recreation Center has the widest variety of youth after school, wellness, and enrichment programs, outdoor and environment focused activities, and everything from ‘Ultimate’ Frisbee and ‘Mini-Z’ remote control car races to the area’s longest standing quilting corner and softball leagues for folks over 60! The John A. Patten Center is also home to Ballet Tennessee, a new city Recycling Center, and a revitalized city run Pottery Studio.

Clarence Williams, Facility Manager at the Eastgate Senior Activites Center, grew up through the city’s recreation center programs, worked for the Parks and Recreation Department, and has served as a coach, programs manager, leader, and caring mentor for over 27 years.

As a long standing member of TRPA and professional in the recreation field, this is the 4th award Clarence has received recognizing his contributions to the citizens of Chattanooga. Clarence continues his legacy of service and compassion working with senior adults through the Department of Education, Arts, and Culture.