County Recreation Department serves many

The Cocke County Recreation Department serves all residents of the county with recreational services and has shown steady growth in the number of local citizens who take advantage of the services.

Scott Thornton was recently named director of the department.

The department is located at 466 Learning Way, behind the Cocke County High School baseball and softball complexes. At its main office, the department hosts the two athletic fields, as well as a gymnasium used for basketball and other purposes.

The Cocke County Recre-

Scott Thornton, Director

ation Department administers most of the recreational youth basketball leagues in the county, including the two Co-Ed leagues for 4-7 year-olds, 8-9 year-olds and 10-11 year-olds. The department plays games at its home site, as well as several elementary basketball gymnasiums throughout the county.

The department also sponsors Tee-Ball, coach pitch baseball and softball, as well as the Smoky Mountain Little League softball program.

Other locations utilized by the department include those found at elementary schools throughout Cocke

County. Among those located at Northwest are an additional recreation building, ball fields, and concession stands. The county maintains each of these, as related to use at sporting events.

There are also agreements between the county and other elementary schools for the use of gymnasiums and ball fields. The department is funded through the Cocke County Legislative Body. Its annual budget includes salaries and utilities, plus maintenance of grounds and the department’s primary building, which includes offices, a gymnasium, and a small children’s playground to the rear of the building.

The variety of activities also includes the department entertaining HeadStart programs, birthday parties, special gatherings, and other community-oriented events.

The Cocke County Recreation Department’s main office is located at 466 Learning Way, just off Hedrick Drive in Newport, in between the high school baseball and softball fields. The telephone number is (423) 623-6769.