Interview with Charles Ellenburg, April 16, 2019

Interview Summary

Charles Ellenburg, a former TVA employee in recreation, begins the interview by detailing how he was hired at TVA. Ellenburg then discusses his first position at TVA, which was in Recreation Technical Assistance. The interviewee also describes how states dealt with recreation technical assistance in the 1970s. The history of recreation development at TVA is also given. Other groups involved in TVA recreation are also mentioned. Ellenburg then reflects upon his memories of working in technical assistance in recreation. Ellenburg highlights some of the budget issues that TVA recreation encountered. Ellenburg's work as a manager on community recreation projects and his time spent as a recreation planner are explored. An issue with a land transfer is examined. Ellenburg also discusses some projects he undertook as a regional planner in recreation. Ellenburg details his role in implementing a new fee system for recreational use of TVA lands. Ellenburg shares his favorite aspects of working at TVA. The interviewee recalls a project designed to help states form their own technical assistance programs in recreation. How Ellenburg's work in recreation was recognized outside the Tennessee Valley is explained. To conclude the interview, Ellenburg reflects upon the uniqueness of TVA.

Interview Keyword

Hiring Parks and Recreation

Interview LC Subject

Tennessee Valley Authority Tennessee Recreation Federal government Parks Technical assistance Land use Communities State governments States

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.