Mayor Madeline Rogero last week announced Aaron Browning as the City’s new Deputy Director for the Parks and Recreation Department.
The City’s Athletics Coordinator since 2012, Browning’s accomplishments with the City include increasing adult participation in athletic leagues by 124 percent; arranging education workshops for recreation commissions to assist with improved organizational goals; introducing new City-offered sports such as pickleball, adult kickball, volleyball and women’s basketball; managing several facility renovation projects; and organizing the department’s new online payment service.
“Aaron’s abilities, background and relationships established in the community while working for the City will help our department immensely,” said Joe Walsh, Parks and Recreation Director. “His consistent track record in seeing projects through from beginning to end is something I’ve come to count on.”
Browning oversaw the renovation of two unused West Hills Park tennis courts into Knoxville’s first outdoor pickleball courts, which led to a Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association state award for “Best Renovated Facility.” His efforts led to Knoxville’s first ever pickleball tournament, which was held last weekend, on the new courts, with more than 150 players participating. (Pickleball is a new and popular sport sweeping the nation that combines ping pong, tennis and paddleball.)
The bulk of Browning’s workload will be related to managing the department’s operations. He will assist in recreation project administration, budget oversight and helping to manage the department’s personnel. The Parks and Recreation Department’s staff includes approximately 60 permanent/part-time and over 100 hourly-paid positions.
Prior to his time with the City of Knoxville, Browning worked for the Kentucky chapter of the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA). Originally from Harlan, Ky., Browning played NAIA tennis for Georgetown College (Kentucky), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and health studies. He earned a master’s of science degree in physical education and sports administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
Browning is a long-time volunteer in the tennis community, serving as chair of the USTA Tennessee and USTA Southern Section Junior Team Tennis committee. He also serves on the Greater Knoxville Tennessee Association board. While playing for a team based out of Knoxville in 2013 and 2014, Browning qualified for the Southern Section League Championships.
