Metro Parks’ Terrance Quattlebaum has been named the 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Champion by the Tennessee Division of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). He will be presented with the award during the Association’s annual award luncheon in January.
The award is given to the individual or organization that demonstrates sustained commitment to diversity and inclusion by employing goals and strategies that create a diverse and inclusive environment. “I’m honored to receive this award,” said Quattlebaum who oversees the Hadley Park Tennis Center.
“I never dreamed tennis would be my avenue to bring several communities together to help grow a sport that promotes and supports diversity. Tennis brings enthusiast from various backgrounds with different life experiences together which in turn generates ideas and different perspectives for a sport that emphasizes the word love,” he said.
Metro Parks Director Monique Odom said the award is an honor not only for Terrance but for the Parks Department as well. “Terrance’s work in this area is a great example of the department’s mission to ‘equitably provide everyone in Nashville’ with wellness and quality of life options through recreation, and community. We are very fortunate to have someone with his experience and expertise managing the tennis program at Hadley Park.”
The Hadley Park Tennis Center, which Terrance has managed since 2014, houses nine outdoor hard courts and four indoor courts. All (13) courts have 60-foot permanent markings for ages 10 and under and a practice wall. The Tennis Center offers programs for almost any age and ability. For players looking for team or individual competitive match play, there are tournaments and a variety of League play opportunities. Leagues include: In-house Hadley singles play, Adult USTA team, NALTA and MTTL women's singles and doubles. Junior Clinics, Adult Clinics, and Private Lessons are also offered throughout the year.
“Terrance received this honor because he has demonstrated the principles we uphold in this sport,” said USTA Community Tennis Director Kim Wilson. “He has reached out to a diverse audience through participation in community activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion. He has provided leadership opportunities that reflect interest in individual traits, skills, and talents of others; and he has proactively sought the opinions and feedback to gain additional perspectives and helps the USTA learn from others.”
The Tennessee Division of The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is the governing body for the sport of tennis and the recognized leader in promoting and developing the sport’s growth on every level in the state of Tennessee. They are an active and valued affiliate of the national association.
Metro Parks offers a variety of facilities and programs throughout Davidson County. The department manages nearly 16,000 acres of open space, including 178 parks and nearly 100 miles of greenway. Metro Parks mission is to sustainably and equitably provide everyone in Nashville with an inviting network of parks and greenways that offer health, wellness and quality of life through recreation, conservation and community.