19 Oct 2020 First Security to host ribbon cutting at Laurel Park

Posted at 8:32 PMh in News by

First Security Bank Conway will formally open and dedicate phase one of the Jerry Cooper Sensory Play Trail at Laurel Park Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. 

Named for long-time employee Jerry Cooper of Conway, the trail benefits children, handicapped individuals and the elderly. The project is sponsored by First Security Bank Conway employees, and additional funds were contributed by a long list of generous community partners.  

Cooper, who died in 2019, worked as a bank courier for 20 years. He volunteered at Faulkner County Day School/Milestones and the Conway Human Development Center (CHDC). He served as past president of the CHDC Volunteer Council and Friends of Faulkner County Day School. He also served two terms on the Faulkner County Day School Board of Directors.

“Jerry had a big heart for handicapped children,” said Johnny Adams, president of First Security Bank Conway. “He was highly respected by his co-workers, and he will always be remembered for his kind heart and dedication to serve others.” 

This is phase one of a three-phase project that will eventually have six to eight stations featuring different instruments. The fully inclusive, accessible and multigenerational outdoor musical instruments are constructed of durable, easily cared-for materials, making them ideal for public outdoor spaces. Musical instruments in outdoor community spaces engage people of all ages, cultures and ability. For children, they enable creative experimentation and tactile exploration, encouraging the use of motor skills, helping develop coordination and stimulating the imagination. Such features also make them practical for children or adults who face physical or emotional obstacles or have very limited movement. 

Masks are required at the dedication and ribbon-cutting. Representatives will cut a ribbon made of ten $100 bills, totaling $1,000, which represents the amount to be donated to Milestones ($500) and the CHDC Volunteer Council ($500) – two of Cooper’s favorite non-profits.