From intern to director: Melvin Cooper’s legacy celebrated at new youth sports complex - Gainesville Times

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From intern to director: Melvin Cooper’s legacy celebrated at new youth sports complex

Melvin Cooper helps cut the grand opening ribbon Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the new Melvin J. Cooper Youth Athletic Complex. - photo by Scott Rogers

03092024 COOP 3.jpg — Melvin Cooper helps cut the grand opening ribbon Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the new Melvin J. Cooper Youth Athletic Complex. - photo by Scott Rogers

Melvin Cooper, the man for whom Gainesville’s long-awaited athletic complex was nick-named “The Coop,” had a 3-word response to the honor: “I am humbled.”