Canup makes move to MSPR, Tuscumbia opens Parks and Rec director position

For the second time in two years, the City of Tuscumbia is searching for a new Parks and Recreation Director.

The City Council voted to open up the position during its May 5 meeting.

Brooks Canup, who had been in the position since March 1, 2024, recently accepted a role as Community Programs and Special Events Director at Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation.

Joel Kendrick had been Parks and Recreation Director for Tuscumbia for 34, but he was moved to Public Works Director when Bo Stanley retired from the position in 2023.

Canup graduated from Deshler High School in 2012 and attended Northwest Shoals Community College before pursuing a degree in marketing at the University of Alabama.

He earned a master’s in education and was a teacher at Hatton Elementary and Waterloo before being hired by Tuscumbia.

Canup’s father Ricky worked for MSPR when he was growing up, so he is familiar with the organization.

“I’ve known (Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Director) Dawn Woodall for years,” Canup said. “They talked to me about the job opening, and when it was presented to me, I thought it would be a good fit for me and my family.”

Canup said during his year with Tuscumbia the Parks and Rec department went through many improvements, including rec fields scraped and painted, renovations at Spring Creek Golf Course, a new track and field program and adult softball league.

In his new role, Canup said he is currently overseeing the new MSPR summer camp program, working on finding sponsors for the city’s summer movies in the park and Beats and Eats, a six-week musical series to be held at Shoals Bistro.