City and county officials honored long-time parks and recreation coordinator Pam Rudd Wednesday for over 50 years of service. She was recognized at a virtual ceremony held at the Planters Bank Jennie Stuart Medical Sportsplex Hopkinsville and streamed on social media with no media in attendance.
Rudd, who serves as programs coordinator, received a key to the city from Hopkinsville Mayor Wendell Lynch.
click to download audioJudge-executive Steve Tribble proclaimed January 28, 2021, as Pam Rudd Day, recognizing the work she has done for the youth of Hopkinsville and Christian County.
click to download audioRudd began working with the local parks and recreation department in 1971 as a part-time programmer when it was a joint city-county entity. She retired as a teacher in 1997 and began working full-time with parks and recreation.
She is responsible for starting the summer kids’ workshops, adult softball leagues, and tournaments during her tenure. She has also worked to coordinate all of the park’s athletic leagues.
Rudd appreciated the honor and said she plans on working past the 50-year mark.
click to download audioDuring her career, Rudd has received several statewide awards, including the Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society’s prestigious Fellow Award in 2015. She was inducted into the Kentucky Parks and Recreation Society Hall of Fame in 2019.