Roswell recreation officials are mulling the renaming of a local park to commemorate one of the city’s oldest black neighborhoods.
The Roswell Recreation Commission announced Friday two alternative names that could replace the current Waller Park Extension: Groveway Community Park and Groveway Park. Roswell community relations coordinator Karen Zitomer said in a phone interview the recreation commission derived the two names based on Waller Parker Extension’s proximity to the Groveway community.
The Groveway community is a predominately black neighborhood in Roswell. Its civic service arm, the Groveway Community Organization, has roots tracing back to the early 20th century and pre-Civil Rights. The organization was incorporated in Georgia in 1980.
Gail Bohannon — Groveway Community Organization preisdent and a lifelong Roswell resident — said she considers the city's possible park naming "an honor." She said the recognition speaks to decades of active and impactful service around Roswell.
"(Our organization) has been an instrument of service to Roswell," Bohannon said. "We have aided all people in time of need."
City officials said they acknowledge name confusion currently exists among residents regarding both the Waller Park Extension and Waller Park. Both properties have the same name but are in different locations — Waller Park is at 250 Oak St. and the Waller Park Extension is located at 160 Dobbs Dr. Also, both parks have separate entrances off of different roads.
Waller Park was donated to the city by late businessman and philanthropist James Isaac Wright, therefore, its name cannot change, officials said. The Waller Park Extension was given its name since it adjoins adjacent parkland.
City officials said Roswell residents can still offer name suggestions for the Waller Park Extension through its online survey. Zitomer said the city’s recreation commission will compile those results to share with city council within weeks after the survey closes.
The survey is accessible until Sept. 30. Residents can access the survey by clicking here.
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