October 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 77

know it's there. Out of sight, out of mind, " says SitesBowen. She believes word of mouth and increased
signage will be necessary to battle the mental accessibility hurdle.

Programs and Amenities
Everyone interviewed stated in some form that the
return of usable and attractive green space and playing fields should ensure that people stay active in the
park. Each has plans to take full advantage of the new
amenities-Ushry is organizing a senior gardening
project, and Sites-Bowen is looking forward to the
bocce ball court, mentioning a wave of excitement
for the sport in Atlanta. And yet, despite their attractions to the various amenities going into the park, all
the interviewees agree that it is strong and consistent
programming, from youth and after school, to educational, to senior, that they say will make a real impact for the area.
Pelt mentions his plans for a new partnership
between his church and the park, to help meet the
community's programming needs. Dunn says that it
is important for park staff to create a welcoming environment-as well as a place that serves as a resource for the neighborhood. She would also like to
see Selena Sloan Butler represented visually at the
community center. " A big poster of her needs to be
there, so when people enter the building, they can
see the person after whom the park is named. "

Existing site features were removed to allow for the complete redesign of the
park.

Dunn looks forward to one moment in particular. " As I reflect back over the years, I wouldn't dare
think about going up there. Now, I'm just waiting for
the completion of the construction. I'm going to sit out
on one of the benches, enjoy God's fresh air, and say,
'Look how far we've come.' "
Amy Kapp is a freelance writer in Northern Virginia.

Funding and Maintenance
To ensure healthy funding for the park's continued
maintenance and success, Sites-Bowen suggests that
responsibility lies, in part, with the community. As a
supporter of Friends of Butler Park, she recognizes
the potential-and, sometimes, the necessity for citizens to get involved.
Dusenbury, however, places the responsibility squarely on the city for the park's foundational
work. " It's our fundamental and core responsibility,
and we're not going to walk away from that, " he says.
" We're fortunate that the Atlanta Housing Authority
and NRPA have raised funds for this project, and if
people are going to keep investing in our parks, we
need to take care of those investments. "

New Beginnings
As this historic corner of south-central Atlanta prepares for the unveiling of Selena Butler Park on November 2, during the NRPA Congress and Exposition,
its residents are eager and excited, not just for the
project's completion, but for the broader renewal that
the park re-opening could mean for that community.

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October 2011 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2011 - Parks & Recreation