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BY ROBERT SORRELL
Star Correspondent
The longtime director of Elizabethton’s Parks and Recreation Department is leaving for a similar job in nearby Bristol, Tenn.
Bristol officials announced this week that Mike Mains has been named its new director of parks and recreation. Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 16, Mains will lead the department responsible for overseeing the city’s system of more than two dozen parks and greenways and providing year-round opportunities for recreational programming, according to a news release from Bristol.
For more than 30 years, Mains has served as a parks and recreational professional in the region. Since 1999, Mains has served as Elizabethton’s parks and recreation director.
In addition, Mains has previously served as the director of the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Center and the Elizabethton/Carter County Boys and Girls Club.
Mains is also a four-time Appalachian League Executive of the Year honoree for his work with the Elizabethton Twins Minor League-affiliate team. He was inducted into the Appalachian League Hall of Fame in 2020.
In recent years, Mains has helped oversee operations of Covered Bridge Days in Elizabethton.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the city and the incredible team I’ve had the privilege to work with in Elizabethton,” Mains said in the release.
Mains said he leaves Elizabethton with great memories and friendships that he will cherish. He said he wishes the city his best.
“God has certainly blessed me throughout the years, and He has opened a door for me to embark on a new opportunity in Bristol,” Mains said. “It is an incredible community with a lot to offer, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to build upon and strengthen the fantastic work that’s already in place.”
In Bristol, Mains said one of his first priorities will be getting to know the city on a deeper level and assess what needs and opportunities exist in the city.
“It didn’t take long to realize that Bristol has an incredible team, and I have heard nothing but great things about the parks and recreation staff,” he said.
Bristol Tennessee City Manager Kelli Bourgeois said it was critical to find the right person to continue caring for the city’s parks, trails, natural spaces and recreational facilities and explore new ways of using them to their fullest.
“Mike has such an undeniable passion for the work that he does and the people he works with,” Bristol’s city manager said. “We are excited to welcome him to the community and look forward to supporting him as he leads our parks and recreation team to even greater heights.”
The city of Elizabethton is now accepting applications for a new parks and recreation director.
Candidates are expected to have a bachelor’s degree or two to three years of related experience. Applications should be delivered to the Human Resources Department at 136 S. Sycamore Street in Elizabethton.