By Special to the Daily World
Through its national Parks Build Community project and its grassroots initiative known as America’s Backyard, the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) revitalization of Selena S. Butler Park is officially underway. Scores of people gathered in the historic Atlanta park for the June 8 groundbreaking.
Among those in attendance were NRPA CEO Barbara Tulipane, Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall and Congressman John Lewis, all supporters of the Parks Build Community project. Lewis, among others, offered words in praise of the collaborative efforts to revive urban greenspace to improve the local community. NRPA representatives plan to open the first phase of the newly revitalized Butler Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early November 2011. For more information visit www.NRPA.org/parksbuildco.
Approximately $1.6 million has been contributed to the revitalization project from various sponsor organizations, including PlayCore, Superior International Industries (SII), Converse, and the Health Education and Communication Center of Atlanta (HECCA). The restoration will provide an active-use plaza, playground equipment, a picnic/grill area, a multi-purpose field and a community garden to a park once left tattered by Atlanta’s infamous 2008 tornadoes.