The city of Marietta and representatives from the Kiwanis Club of Marietta will host a dedication ceremony July 2 at 2 p.m. for a statue honoring first responders, military and their families in the first phase of a new park downtown.
The park, at the corner of Anderson and Roswell streets, honors former Marietta mayor Joe Mack Wilson, and the first phase includes the statue “Forever Remember,” a project of the Kiwanis Club of Marietta. The remainder of the park will be completed and officially dedicated later.
Forever Remember is for the families and loved ones of our first responders and military, Kiwanis Club of Marietta president Victoria Turney said. “It’s important to recognize and to salute those families and loved ones for their sacrifices every day.”
“Joe Mack had a passion for Marietta and loved the beauty of this city,” Mayor Steve Tumlin said. “He loved Kiwanis Club, and served our city as a legislator, businessman, husband, father, and also as mayor of Marietta,” he said. “When Joe Mack was mayor, he still had contacts with the Georgia Legislature that made the city of Marietta even better.”
“This is part of a project throughout Marietta to green up the entryways into the city, and create better public spaces and new parks,” city manager Bill Bruton said. “The project will make everything look a little bit nicer coming in, and really reflect the wonderful attitude we have here in Marietta by the looks of our streets, entryways and gateways coming in.”
Over the next several years, Marietta will be implementing the $25 million parks bond voters approved last fall, Ward 3 City Councilman Johnny Sinclair said. “This is a part of our master parks plan, and we will be adding several new parks to the city of Marietta in terms of active parks and greenspace.”
Encouraging revitalization of Marietta’s current parks and establishing new parks for active and passive use 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.
