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Goodman new rec director
By Michael Butler
The Tallassee Parks and Recreation Department has a new director. Longtime coach John Goodman took the job on Feb. 15.
Goodman, who spent more than 30 years with the Tallassee City School System, said the position has always intrigued him.
"It's one of those jobs that I've always really wanted. It was a goal of mine that when I got through with coaching that hopefully I could go into this type of job to give back. The school system and city of Tallassee have been great to me."
Goodman has two state titles as a coach. His 1995 and 1998 THS baseball teams won crowns. Courtney Thornton was a pitcher on the '95 team. He is now the programs coordinator with the recreation department.
"Courtney does a super job. I couldn't do all of this without him. He's handling the programs. He's got some great ideas. I've added a few to it. I think we can turn this whole program for the youth and the elderly into something that people want to come and do. It's going to take a little time."
Safety at the facilities will come first, Goodman noted. Afterwards, noticeable changes will take effect.
"The facilities all need to be upgraded. We're going to tackle the 11/12 field first thing. We have some major work we're going to do to it," Goodman said of the Dixie Youth Baseball facility. "I talked with Abe Rigsby, the commissioner. I told him of my plans. Then we're going to move to each field."
Facility maintenance is a passion of Goodman's, and he's not afraid to get his hands dirty.
"I'm going to be out there with them. I'm not going to sit in a building behind a desk. I told the guys, I'm not going to ask you to do anything that I wouldn't get out there and do myself."
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