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After a massive renovation to Henry Memorial Park, the city of Marietta celebrated its official reopening with a party for the neighborhood, ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling. The Park is located at 81 Reynolds Street, near Henry Drive and Wright Street off Powder Springs Street.
The revitalization includes a large playground, gazebo, lighted walking track encircling an open free play area, two half-court basketball courts, new parking area, and trees and landscaping.
The reopening was attended by a large, diverse crowd, including neighbors and families, City Council members and community leaders. Remarks were given by city manager Bill Bruton, Mayor Bill Dunaway, City Council members Anthony Coleman and Holly Walquist, Marietta Housing Authority chairman Ed Hammock and Marietta Parks and Recreation director Rich Buss. The invocation was given by Wright Street Baptist Church pastor Marion Daniels.
History
The park was established on November 15, 1954, as a gift to the community by Mrs. Willie Louise (Henry) Burford, in memory of her parents, John and Peggy Henry, to be used for the development of a community playground. The park and playground have served generations of families since that time, and stands as a symbol of the dedication and commitment to this community by Mrs. Willie Louise (Henry) Burford.
City Council approved in September 2006 a master plan to renovate the park. As part of the city's goal to involve the community in decision-making, several meetings were held with the neighborhood to refine the master plan before it was approved. The park was redesigned after meetings with community stakeholders representing a nearby church, charter school, neighbors and developers.
Streetscape improvements on Wright Street will tie in with the park and neighboring redevelopment project, and Henry Park will be a test site for other areas of the city that will be undergoing redevelopment.
Encouraging revitalization of current parks, establishing new parks for active and passive use and rejuvenating park and green space for the community are goals City Council established as part of Marietta's vision statement.
For more information, call Marietta's Parks and Recreation Department at 770-794-5601.