Cherokee Recreation And Parks Names New Director

CANTON, GA — Stephen Shrout was selected to lead Cherokee Recreation and Parks as its parks division director earlier this month.

Shrout has served Cherokee County for the past four years in various roles that include parks crew leader, county arborist and parks manager. Shrout holds a bachelor of science in forest resources and conservation from the University of Florida, as well as numerous certifications that include certified parks and recreation professional from the National Recreation and Parks Association, certified master trail builder from the Professional TrailBuilders Association and certified arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture. Shrout’s previous work history includes eight years at Arlington National Cemetery where he served as a turf applications supervisor.

“I’m grateful to be the newest part of the leadership team at Cherokee Recreation and Parks,” Shrout said. “When I moved to the area five years ago, I knew Cherokee County was a special place and that CRPA had exceptional employees that I would get the privilege to work with. I would like to thank Jay Worley for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to keeping the parks of Cherokee County a safe and fun place for people to visit.”

“Stephen brings a wealth of experience and education into this key leadership role with us at Cherokee Recreation and Parks,” Cherokee Recreation and Parks Director Jay Worley said. “I am looking forward to seeing him implement new ideas and practices to make us even better than before.”

The parks division manages the daily operations and maintenance of the county’s greenspace, trails and park grounds in addition to supervising the administration of local, state and federal permits as they pertain to park greenspace, trails and natural resources.