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History of the Rocky Brook Rocket
September 20, 1951, the Opelika Board of Parks and Recreation hired the first full time Director.Thirty one year old W.J. (Bill) Calhoun from Nashville, Tennessee was hired and an office at city hall was made available. The park board had functioned since May 15, 1946, making Opelika one of the oldest municipal recreation departments in the State of Alabama. The first Opelika Park Board members were Marion Hyatt, I.J. Scott Sr., George Ball, T.K Davis Jr. and Claud Brown Sr. A summer program was run under the direction of Opelika High School Athletic Director “Coach” Sam Mason from 1946 through 1948.Mrs. Ann Cannon Price was hired as the first year round recreation director from 1948 until 1951. Even though Mrs. Price worked full time, her job was still tied in with the board of education and she used school facilities for all activities.
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