Dear editor, On Sept. 3, 1935, a fire occurred in downtown Rockdale. The fire burned for hours engulfing four buildings. During the fight, an awning gave way bringing a brick wall with it, claiming the lives of two dedicated firemen: J.W. Hooper, 32, and Wilbur Williams, 25. After the fire, both Hooper and Williams took one final ride in the back of Engine 2 to their resting places.
A granite monument was dedicated to the two on the south lawn of the Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library, the site of the fire. Shortly after, land was donated to the city of Rockdale, to create the “Hooper- Williams Fireman’s Memorial Park” (now City Skate Park).
The Fireman’s Prayer: When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage; Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it’s too late. Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Eighty-nine years have passed since this tragic day in 1935. We do not know why the property at 200 Pine Street has never been established as “The Hooper-Williams Fireman’s Memorial Park,” nor do we seek to fault anyone for this oversight.
However, we believe that it is time to correct this, and in the process, create a city park which the community could take great pride in, while also increasing usage.
Approximately 10 years ago, Perry & Perry Builders worked with the City of Rockdale to create City Skate Park. At the time, skateboarding was rising in popularity as a sport. Graffiti art was also becoming more accepted as an art form, and a graffiti wall was created. However, some of the graffiti is not appropriate.
Our local Girl Scout Troop 12345 have pledged a service project to paint over the graffiti. We thank them for their service to the community, though we are not able to ascertain if their efforts will be sustained over time.
There is largely a consensus amongst key constituents and members of the community that the appearance of this park is not acceptable.
Our Proposal: Our Milam County neighbors in Cameron, recently completed a successful Park Enhancement Campaign, creating the “Lions Club Centennial Park.” They were able to succeed in this effort by securing donations from within their community to upgrade the park, add new signage, and create eight new pickleball courts.
People who were actively engaged in this process report that there were minimal, but loud detractors who were nay-sayers throughout the process. Today, however, it would be hard to argue with their outcomes.
Rockdale Earth Day is seeking to use this same formula to upgrade the appearance and function of Skate Park, and to create at long last, the Hooper-Williams Fireman’s Memorial Park!
Already, we have received $17,000 in pledges, and additional affirming statements from others who will give to this project. Two of these additional donors were significant contributors to the Lions Club Centennial Park.
We also have received a commitment from USA Technologies to donate labor and assist with logistical needs. We anticipate additional support coming from other construction businesses. And a local business is willing to contribute to the creation of Barbeque and picnic areas.
Elements of the Hooper- Williams Fireman’s Memorial Park could include any or all the following: Skateboarding area, pickleball courts, children’s play area, established trees, restroom facilities, fencing, lighting, barbeque and picnic areas, and a walking trail.
The venue runs along Wilcox Street, which serves as one of the north-south corridors into and out of the city. Pine Street also feeds to the Patterson Center and the Rockdale Fairgrounds. We contend that the current state of affairs at this site is unacceptable, is a poor reflection on the City of Rockdale and is most definitely an underutilized park in our community.
We are asking all who would like to support this effort, to consider a contribution at one of the following levels: Friends of the Park, $10-$99, Century Club: $100-$999, Bronze: $1,000-$4,999, Silver: $5,000 - $14,999, and Gold: $15,000 and above.
An account has been established at Classic Bank for this initiative. Checks should be made out to the City of Rockdale, with a note in the memo line, “Fireman’s Memorial Park.” We thank you for your kind consideration.
Rey Mata Secretary, Rockdale Earth Day
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