[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 176 (Friday, November 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1490-E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF MELVIN COOPER

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                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                  in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 2, 2018

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melvin 
Cooper, Director of Gainesville Parks and Recreation, who is retiring 
after 47 years of service with the city and 30 years as its Parks 
Director.
  In a letter to Gainesville's Parks and Recreation Board, Mr. Cooper 
said, ``From the time I was 12 years old I knew what I wanted to do and 
began to set my goals for what I have done for the last 47 years. I 
wanted to lead change, I wanted to be change, I wanted to work with 
people and make a difference.''
  Melvin Cooper was born in Moultrie and spent most of his childhood in 
Commerce, Georgia. In 1970, while he was a student at the University of 
Georgia, he completed an internship for the Parks and Recreation 
Department. Mr. Cooper was first hired as a Program Coordinator and 
later held the role of Assistant Director for 16 years. During his 
tenure as Director, the Gainesville Civic Center was renovated, Lake 
Lanier hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, and the Frances Meadows Aquatic 
Center--along with many other facilities--opened to the public.
  After leading the Parks and Recreation Department for three decades, 
Mr. Cooper announced his retirement at a recent Board of Directors 
meeting. The search for a replacement will begin November 1, and Mr. 
Cooper will continue to serve as Director until May 31, 2019.
  During his career, which has spanned almost half a century, Mr. 
Cooper helped improve the quality of life in our community and his 
contributions will benefit generations to come. I wish Mr. Cooper 
joyful years ahead in his retirement.

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