Page 20 - October 2011
‘Parks Build Community’ project underway in Atlanta
In order to demonstrate and support the integral role America’s parks play in revitalizing underserved urban areas, the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Parks Build Community project was launched in 2009. The first park selected to receive the extensive facelift was Marvin Gaye Park in Washington, D.C. In August 2009, the first phase of the rejuvenated park was opened to the public.
And in April, 2011, NRPA named Atlanta’s historic Selena S. Butler Park as the next site for its proven revitalization initiative, and construction is underway. Named after a key figure in the fight for racial equality in American education, and located mere blocks away from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Butler Park has been in dire need of revitalization since suffering severe damage during Atlanta’s infamous 2008 tornado.
“Our ongoing updates to Marvin Gaye Park are made possible through our collaboration with various organizations, as well as generous
donations from partners and sponsors,” says Barbara Tulipane, CEO of NRPA. “We must now apply the experience and lessons we continue to learn from D.C. to achieve our goals and reach our own raised expectations for this newest project at Selena S. Butler Park in Atlanta. Urban parks not only offer a long list of health benefits, but they also provide a safe place for community members to build a stronger identity through social interaction. Butler Park epitomizes its namesake’s goal of achieving social equality, and we know that by reviving this historic Atlanta landmark we are helping to bring a local community closer together.”
The Parks Build Community project’s restoration of Butler Park got underway with a groundbreaking ceremony in June. In attendance was Tulipane, representatives from the Atlanta Housing Authority, members of Park Pride, local elected officials, representatives
of sponsor companies PlayCore and Superior International Industries, and Butler Park supporters from in and around the community. Also in attendance were Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall and Congressman John Lewis, all staunch supporters of the Parks Build Community project.
Passionate speeches about the importance of Butler Park to the local community inspired smiles
Paul Taylor, director of Park Design; Trish O’Connell, vice president of real estate development for the Atlanta Housing Authority; Barbara Tulipane, CEO of NRPA; Helene Mills, community advocate; Congressman John Lewis; and City Councilman Kwanza Hall
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