The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, and coordinating a comprehensive plan of leisure activities for the citizens of Oak Ridge. The department is also charged with the responsibility of providing safe, well-maintained facilities for its patrons. Over thirty city-owned properties are maintained including ten lighted athletic fields, six horticultural displays, twelve playground areas, twenty-seven lighted tennis courts, three community center buildings, and two pools. Program opportunities are geared to the various age groups and are coordinated with community organizations and groups in order to reduce duplication and to enhance the quality of life.

To accomplish program and maintenance requirements, the department employs over 70 full- and part-time staff. The department is divided into two operational divisions - Recreation and Parks. The Recreation Division oversees the programs and activities generated by the department. Staff includes the Director, three Recreation Supervisors, two Recreation Specialists, one Recreation Coordinator, seven Facility Monitors and a secretary. The Parks Division is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the recreation facilities, horticultural displays, and greenbelts. It is also responsible for overseeing Capital projects on park areas. Staffing includes a Parks Supervisor, a Labor Crew Chief, and four Maintenance Workers. The City also maintains over 1,275 acres of Greenbelt Districts, which are retained in their natural setting and open to the public for hiking, nature study, and jogging. These serve as buffers for traffic between neighborhoods, and along industrial areas.