Brentwood Parks Director Bunt Retiring After More Than 30 Years

Published on August 03, 2026

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Brentwood Parks and Recreation Director Dave Bunt recently announced he plans to retire on Jan. 5, 2027, ending his more than 30-year career in Brentwood. Bunt joined the parks department in 1996, and four years later, he was named Brentwood’s third parks and recreation director.

“Dave is a terrific guy and has put a lot into the Brentwood parks system over the years,” City Manager Jason Gage said. “Our city is known for its 15 outstanding parks, and Dave has been instrumental in enhancing this community’s quality of life.”

Bunt graduated from Austin Peay State University, and shortly after earning his degree, he began his career with Clarksville Parks and Recreation. Four years later, he headed south to join Brentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department.

During Bunt’s tenure as the director, the Department has transformed the city's park system through strategic expansion, historic preservation, and enhanced recreational opportunities.

He oversaw numerous park openings, including Flagpole and Wikle Park, Tower Park, Primm Park, Owl Creek Park, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, and Windy Hill Park. He also worked in partnership with Williamson County Parks and Recreation for the Indoor Soccer Arena, the Brentwood Rotary Club for the inclusive playground at Granny White Park, Bike Walk Brentwood for the mountain biking course in Smith Park, and the Brentwood Ball Club on four Turf baseball fields at Crockett Park. He also oversaw the construction of Miss Peggy’s Bark Park in Tower Park, as well as the disc course in Crockett Park.

The department also expanded Brentwood's network of trails and greenways, creating greater connectivity between parks, neighborhoods, schools, and community destinations.

Today, the department manages more than 1,000 acres of parks, trails, greenways, athletic facilities, and natural areas, making Brentwood one of Middle Tennessee's premier communities for parks and outdoor recreation.

The city will soon begin searching for its fourth Parks and Recreation Director.

“We will begin the recruitment for this position very soon to avoid a gap in department leadership,” Gage said.

For more information on Brentwood Parks and Recreation, visit the department’s website.