After decades of shaping Cookeville's community spaces, Rick Woods, the Director of Leisure Services, is set to retire later this year, with his departure slated for October 3, the city recently announced. Beginning his journey in 1985 with a local nonprofit, Woods has been instrumental in the creation and revitalization of a myriad of Cookeville's beloved parks and cultural initiatives, as detailed in the official City of Cookeville announcement.
The creation of Ensor Sink Natural Area and Capshaw Park, alongside the expansion of Dogwood Park and the development of Cane Creek Dog Park were among the numerous projects led by Woods, and despite this announcement of retirement, he will continue to lead the development of new city projects like the Cane Creek Pickleball Courts and Dogwood Park's entry redesign until he steps down, the creation of the Cane Creek Dog Park was made possible through a Dog Park Dash grant.
Under Woods' leadership, the Department of Leisure Services has been a cornerstone in the community, fostering programs including the Backstage Series at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center (CPAC), and the formation of CAST to support the city's cultural events. Reflecting on his tenure, Woods said, "I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built at Leisure Services. They’re the ones doing the real work to bring our parks, programs, and cultural spaces to life. Everything this department has accomplished is a direct result of their passion and hard work," as reported by the City of Cookeville's statement.
The city manager, James Mills, paid tribute to Woods by mentioning, "Rick’s legacy is truly woven into the fabric of Cookeville," acknowledging the expansive influence Woods has had on Cookeville's landscape through his dedication and vision, this was exemplified by his receipt of the CityScape Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 which he described feeling "very honored and humbled to receive," according to a City of Cookeville interview.
As Woods prepares for retirement, the impact of his nearly four-decade commitment can be seen in the enhanced public spaces and programs that continue to serve as a nexus for community engagement in Cookeville. Through his steadfast development of the City's parks and his embodiment of the department's motto, "Making the good life better," his legacy will undoubtedly persist in the city's vibrant spaces long after his departure, as per the City of Cookeville.
