How Gainesville Parks & Rec will honor longtime director Melvin Cooper - Gainesville Times

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How Gainesville Parks & Rec will honor longtime director Melvin Cooper

Melvin Cooper speaks during an interview at the Gainesville Civic Center on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Cooper retired after 47 years working for the city and 30 years as parks director. - photo by Austin Steele

10152018 COOPER 001.JPG — Melvin Cooper speaks during an interview at the Gainesville Civic Center on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Cooper retired after 47 years working for the city and 30 years as parks director. - photo by Austin Steele

A new youth sports complex in Gainesville will be named after longtime city parks director Melvin Cooper, who will be retiring in May after 47 years with Gainesville Parks and Recreation.