In a delightful fusion of creativity and nostalgia, Jonathan Fish and his brother Adam have taken their passion for the iconic video game Minecraft Education and transformed it into a tribute to one of Maricopa’s most cherished landmarks: the Copper Sky Recreation Complex. From the comfort of their Tortosa home, the brothers meticulously reconstructed the facility, ensuring every detail was captured with precision.
Crafting a Digital Tribute
Jonathan, at just 19 years old, is no stranger to the Copper Sky Recreation Center, having served as a lifeguard at its pool. His deep familiarity with the site provided a solid foundation for this ambitious project. “We just thought this would be a fun side project,” Jonathan shared, reflecting on the journey that began when they first picked up Minecraft in 2011.
Jonathan, who made headlines as the youngest teacher in the Maricopa Unified School District at the age of 17, is currently substitute teaching at Desert Sunrise High School while preparing for a bilingual mission to Utah with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His brother Adam, while opting out of the spotlight, was an integral part of this creative endeavor.
Describing their project, Jonathan remarked, “It’s a parody of Copper Sky in the form of a horror movie trailer. A lot of inside jokes. I showed it to my coworkers, and they laughed.” The brothers began their digital construction from the pool’s pump room, which Jonathan humorously referred to as “a pretty scary place,” drawing from his lifeguarding experiences.
The response to their Minecraft rendition of Copper Sky has been overwhelmingly positive. “Some people told me to start building a whole city, but I’m afraid that would now be a little ambitious,” he admitted, showcasing a blend of humility and aspiration.
As Jonathan prepares for his upcoming mission, which will take him to Mexico City for immersive Spanish language training before heading to Salt Lake City, he carries with him not just the skills of a teacher but also the creative spirit of a digital architect. The Fish brothers’ project stands as a testament to the power of imagination and community, all sparked by a beloved video game.
