Kooker Park has a long history in Jacksonville’s historic Eastside community, and one man is a big reason why.
Henry Brown was a coach, mentor and champion for neighborhood youth at the park for more than 30 years. He built a proud legacy that lives on in the people he coached and mentored who are continuing to influence and inspire others.
I love football. As a youth coach, I know the passion and love Henry Brown had for the kids in his community.
Last week, I was fortunate to join representatives from the Jacksonville Jaguars, LISC Jacksonville, Operation New Hope, ESPN, Florida Carter Corporation, and Men In and Out of Schools Inc., we cut the ribbon on a brand new football field for Henry Brown Kooker Park. In additional to the new field, the park is getting a new irrigation system, scoreboard, bleachers, sunshades, and batting cages by spring 2018.
Places like this are where the rubber meets the road. It’s a place where young people can learn and grow in a way that transcends the field. I’ve experienced it myself as a youth football coach. Lives will be changed on this field.
These investments provide numerous benefits for our Eastside community, and our city. I’m convinced that Coach Brown would be very proud.
Watch live video from the ribbon cutting
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