Effective May 1, Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight announced Wednesday afternoon the promotion of Toby Hudson to be the city’s next Parks & Recreation superintendent.
Knight said he was selected from a “strong group” of applicants from throughout the southeast. However, Hudson’s 20 years of local experience, as well as serving for eight years as assistant to retiring Superintendent Tab Brockman, proved pivotal.
Since the city took over the department in 2007, the 46-year-old Hudson has served multiple roles for Hopkinsville Parks & Recreation, and currently operates as program coordinator. He’s a graduate of Christian County High School, holds a turf specialist degree from the University of Georgia and has worked through multiple leagues and activities, produced turf management plans for all of the parks’ athletic fields, and coordinated logistics for several events and festivals.
In addition to his work duties, Hudson is a member of Hopkinsville Kiwanis, a graduate of Leadership Hopkinsville and an active member of Living Hope Baptist Church.
This organization works on more than 100 annual programs and events, and has thrice been recognized as “Department of the Year” by the Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society.
In addition to general recreation programming, the 12-member department is responsible for the Tie Breaker Park Athletic Complex, Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Health Hopkinsville Sportsplex, Bluegrass Splash Family Aquatic Center and a host of events — including August’s Summer Salute Festival, the region’s largest event.
Hudson said it was “very humbling” to be chosen to lead the department, and noted he was looking forward to working with “an amazing team.”
