JEKYLL ISLAND - The director of the Gainesville Parks & Recreation Department has been inducted into the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Hall of Fame and the agency, itself, has again been named Best in the State in its population category.
Cooper has spent his whole career - 38 years to date - with the Gainesville Parks & Recreation Department. He began full-time in 1972 as a program coordinator after serving a college internship with the department in 1970, adding that working in parks and recreation is all he's ever wanted to do - a career choice he settled on even as a youngster. He became director of the department in 1989.
Cooper said Tuesday that in addition to program diversification over the past nearly 40 years, the industry has become more environmentally friendly, through the establishment of trails and green space.
He attributes much of his success to the people around him, noting that some of the people serving with him have been by his side for 20-plus years.
In addition to Cooper, other staff members were recognized for their contributions to the industry recently by the state group:
Michael Graham, Deputy Director of Gainesville Parks and Recreation - Distinguished Administrative Professional Award
Missy Bailey, Roy Hammond District 7 Leadership Award
Judy Williams, Distinguished Administrative Support Staff Award
Meghan Hill, Distinguished Aquatics Professional Award
Wednesday
July 16th, 2025
2:12AM
