Smith County parks director Jeff Smart to retire; Andy Rudy named recreation coordinator

Jeff Smart announced his retirement and the parks and recreation committee introduced Andy Rudy as the county’s next recreation coordinator, county staff told the Board of Supervisors on July 9.

The committee’s report, given by a staff member, said fall sports registrations are about 85% complete with a July 17 deadline and that “the fall schedule has been finalized, 1st game scheduled for August 15,” and that the cheer program has seen growth after staff additions. The presentation also noted discussion of an adult coed softball program; timing constraints made one proposed program infeasible this year, though the committee discussed forming two teams for the fall.

The staff member added that the recreation department plans community events including a blue line run to honor fallen law enforcement officers and is working with the county’s three towns to address concerns about team-related traffic. No board action was required; the report was provided for information.

The board and supervisors praised Smart’s work building the county’s rec program from the ground up and welcomed Rudy. “He deserves time to go spend with his grandkids,” one supervisor said in recognition of Smart’s service.