Timothy Cook Jr. has a story: a rough ten years with heart and determination. Cook, the Terrytown Playground Assistant Center Supervisor, started his career in 2010 as a groundskeeper for parks and playgrounds like Woodmere, Oakdale, and PARD playground. A back injury shattered his enthusiasm for a newfound job in the first six months. Cook underwent back surgery, which deprived him of serving Jefferson Parish for another six months. Parks & Recreation promoted Cook to Assistant Center Supervisor around 2013-2014 after coming back from a grueling surgery. He again transitioned from different parks and playgrounds before landing at his current location, Terrytown Playground.
On an average day, the Westbank native gets fields ready, disposes of debris around the playground, prepares for the afternoon activities, and interacts with Terrytown playground participants. He adores preparing for soccer games because not only is soccer his favorite sport, “it’s the most complicated to set up,” said Cook. In his spare time, Cook likes to play with his three dogs, Lilly, Ash, and Charlie. Reflecting on the ten years of service, Cook stated, “You don’t work for the parish because you have to; we do it because we like what we’re doing.” Cook looks forward to another twenty years with the parish and continuing to aid Terrytown Playground.
On an average day, the Westbank native gets fields ready, disposes of debris around the playground, prepares for the afternoon activities, and interacts with Terrytown playground participants. He adores preparing for soccer games because not only is soccer his favorite sport, “it’s the most complicated to set up,” said Cook. In his spare time, Cook likes to play with his three dogs, Lilly, Ash, and Charlie. Reflecting on the ten years of service, Cook stated, “You don’t work for the parish because you have to; we do it because we like what we’re doing.” Cook looks forward to another twenty years with the parish and continuing to aid Terrytown Playground.