And now after leading the parks and recreation department for the past 41 years, Frazier has retired from the City of Kingsport.

“The parks and recreation department was one of the first departments established in the city charter and I’m only one of three people to lead the department since its creation in the early 1940s,” Frazier said. “I hope I have honored the legacy of those who came before me, while passionately celebrating the present and laying a strong foundation for the future.”

Frazier joined the city in 1983 and was the first female parks and recreation director in the State of Tennessee. She was the only parks and recreation director in Tennessee to be invited to join the prestigious American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration and receive the National Outstanding Young Professional Award in Tennessee from the American Parks and Recreation Society.

Frazier has served on various parks and recreation executive boards and commissions throughout the years, received the Fellow Award from the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association and was chosen by the Junior League as one of Kingsport’s 100 Most Notable Women.

During her tenure, the city’s parks and recreation department has experienced tremendous growth and success, including adding 21 new city parks, completing more than 150 renovation projects and receiving more than 60 state and national awards.

In addition, the city has developed 20 special facilities under Frazier’s leadership, such as Hunter Wright Stadium, the Scott Adams Memorial Skatepark and the Riverview Splashpad.

City Manager Chris McCartt said Kitty has left a lasting legacy upon the City of Kingsport and not just in the Parks and Recreation arena.

“Her desire to serve the city wasn’t just limited to her job. She was a major player over the years in Fun Fest and in the Rotary Club,” McCartt said. “Her desire to serve the city wasn’t just limited to her job and just illustrates how she embodies the Kingsport Spirit.”

One of Kingsport’s assets that holds a special place in Frazier’s heart is the Kingsport Greenbelt, which now stretches 10 miles throughout the city, from Cleek Road to beyond Riverfront Park.

“I take great pride in having played a role in its creation and am extremely pleased by how the greenbelt has continued to expand and grow over the years,” Frazier said. “Walking or riding along its path brings me joy. Like any trail, its value lies not just in where it leads physically, but where it takes us personally and spiritually.”

Finally, during Frazier’s tenure, the department created more than 300 new community programs, secured $24 million in grants and more than $3 million in donations and engaged with countless dedicated volunteers who gave their time to support the city’s parks and recreation department.

“It’s not simply about the tasks I checked off a list, but rather it’s about how the experience shapes you,” Frazier said. “From the first community recreation program I created to the most recent grant project I managed, I have embraced every opportunity as a chance to make a lasting, positive impact on the City of Kingsport.”