The City of Cookeville has announced the upcoming retirement of Rick Woods, long-standing Director of Leisure Services, who will officially retire on October 3, 2025.
Woods’ service to the Cookeville community began in 1985, when he worked for a local nonprofit operating out of the Drama Center, which has since been renamed the Cookeville Performing Arts Center (CPAC).
When the Department of Leisure Services was established in 1987, Woods stepped in as the department’s first Cultural Arts Superintendent. After 13 years of exceptional service, he was promoted to Director of Leisure Services in 2000.
For the past 38 years, Woods has been a driving force behind countless projects, programs, and park developments that have shaped Cookeville into the vibrant community it is today.
The Department of Leisure Services’ motto, “Making the good life better,” perfectly encapsulates the legacy Woods has built over the past four decades.
During his tenure, the City has seen the successful completion of numerous major initiatives, including:
- The opening of Ensor Sink Natural Area and Capshaw Park
- The construction of the Cane Creek Recreation Center and Gymnasium
- The expansion of Dogwood Park from 1.6 to approximately 9.5 acres
- The creation of the Dogwood Performance Pavilion and redesign of the Cookeville Performing Arts Center (CPAC)
- The renovation and relocation of the Cookeville History Museum
- The revitalization of multiple neighborhood parks, including the addition of public restrooms and modern facilities
- The opening of the Park View Skate Park
- The Development of the Cane Creek Dog Park, made possible through a Dog Park Dash grant
Under Woods’ leadership, the department also saw the development of enduring programs like the Backstage Series at CPAC, the School of Dance, and the establishment of CAST (Cultural Arts Support Team), which continues to provide volunteer support for the City’s cultural offerings.
Woods will continue to oversee ongoing projects until the time of his retirement. These projects include the Cane Creek Park expansion, Cane Creek Pickleball Courts, Dogwood Park entry redesign, and the future Cane Creek Splashpad and playground upgrades.
In 2024, Woods was honored with the CityScape Lifetime Achievement Award, which he was “very honored and humbled to receive.”
“Rick’s legacy is truly woven into the fabric of Cookeville,” said City Manager James Mills. “Through his vision and leadership, the Department of Leisure Services has touched every aspect of our community. His contributions have not only enriched our public spaces but have brought people together in meaningful ways.”
Reflecting on his time with the City, Woods shared, “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 he prepares to close this chapter, Woods leaves behind not just improved parks and facilities, but a community enriched by decades of leadership and creativity.