Neal named new Parks and Recreation director – Valley Times-News

By: Brandon Ussery

Jonathan Neal was named Valley’s new Director of Parks and Recreation. He comes from Munford, Tennessee, where he served as sports coordinator and athletics manager for the city. Neal takes over the position from Laurie Blount, who served as the director for 15 years.

During his six years in Munford, he was no stranger to work. His responsibilities ranged from park maintenance to organizing both youth and adult recreational sports leagues. Through his efforts, he has increased the enrollment of the youth flag football league from 60 in the Spring of 2021 to 270 participants this Spring. Neal’s dedication to the betterment of communities is shown through recruiting initiatives and the training of both staff and volunteers as referees for recreational sports leagues.

A better position and a fresh start bring him to the Valley area. Neal is no stranger to fresh starts. When he moved to and began working for the City of Munford, the only person he was acquainted with was the person who interviewed him for the position.

Since then, he developed working relationships with everyone and garnered the respect of those he supervised. The choice to migrate to the Valley was not done lightly. Here, he saw an opportunity to grow with the City of Valley and to be of service to the community.

“I have seen growth and the potential for growth,” Neal said.

Hopes for the department include plans to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the department and look for feedback from the community as to what it wants and where it wants to go. Neal said that he has no desire to undermine or discount the accomplishments of the department prior to his arrival.

“I’m not coming in to do it my way or the highway,” he said. “I’m coming in to serve the community.”

He clarified that he is not coming into the position as an authority figure, but as a fellow member of the community, trying to create a happier atmosphere.

Neal strongly believes in teamwork and what can be done through collective efforts. He asks that the citizens and communities of Valley actively work with him and the Parks and Recreation department to improve both the quality and the quantity of amenities.

“It’s the community that we’re serving. It’s the community that we want to better, and it takes people in the community to do that and work as a team,” Neal said.

He calls on the community to point out blind spots that may not be otherwise noticed. Having safe places for children to play is one of the top priorities for any parent, and Neal recognizes the importance of this priority.

Neal comes to the Valley on June 2, 2025, and looks forward to joining and flourishing with the city as one of its own.