Simon Bradbury: Helping Shape an Active and Connected Tellico Village
Simon Bradbury, being the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Tellico Village Property Owners Association (TVPOA) for the past 10 years, has played a significant role in expanding recreational opportunities and enhancing the active lifestyle that defines Tellico Village.
Since joining the community, Bradbury has focused on creating meaningful ways for residents to connect with one another and enjoy the outdoors. One of his most visible accomplishments has been the expansion of Tellico Village’s trail system. Recognizing the potential of the Village’s more than 1,600 acres of common property, he helped turn previously unused land into a 30 mile network of trails that encourages residents to stay active while enjoying the natural beauty of East Tennessee.
A key to that success has been resident involvement. Bradbury quickly discovered that volunteerism is deeply rooted in Tellico Village. Working alongside dedicated residents, including trail-building volunteers, he helped transform an idea into a community-wide asset that continues to grow and attract participation. The trail system has become not only a recreational amenity, but also a reflection of the Village’s strong spirit of engagement and teamwork.
In addition to expanding outdoor spaces, Bradbury has introduced a wide variety of innovative wellness and recreation programs. Under his leadership, Tellico Village has embraced activities including the Warriors at Ease program, indoor cycling, stand-up paddleboarding, paddleboard yoga, birding and wildflower hikes, and yoga sessions at the Yacht Club—offering residents diverse opportunities to stay active, socialize, and explore new interests.
Bradbury’s leadership extends beyond Tellico Village. A respected professional with more than 20 years of experience in recreation management, he has served as President of the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA), a nonprofit professional organization. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, a master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, and a Doctorate in Education along with the Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) designation.
His commitment to building a vibrant and lasting community also helped inspire the creation of the Timeless Tellico Foundation. First launched in 2018, the foundation was established to support and enhance recreational amenities and programs through private donations. Its mission is to help make Tellico Village more attractive, vibrant, and valuable for current and future residents while complementing—not replacing—planned POA investments. After laying important groundwork, the foundation achieved independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in 2020.
Through his leadership, vision, and ability to bring people together, Tellico Village’s reputation has been strengthened as an active, engaged, and welcoming community. His efforts will continue to leave a lasting impact—creating spaces, programs, and opportunities that enrich residents’ lives today and help shape the future of Tellico Village.