By Malynda Fulton
VALDOSTA — Like the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Valdosta’s newest park is now a dream fulfilled. Several citizens and officials gathered at the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park for a dedication ceremony Saturday.
“It’s about time...,” said Valdosta Mayor John J. Fretti. “This park will serve as a cornerstone and a beacon not only for this neighborhood, but for the entire community.”
Fretti added that the area should no longer be ignored, but should be revitalized. Ruth K. Council, founding member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Association, said that the turnout for the dedication ceremony indicates how much the community cares about King and his legacy.
“Dr. King changed the world,” she said. “His legacy stays relevant. Dr. King inspired me to aspire before I expire.”
Council then applauded the City of Valdosta, city council and mayor for their assistance in the construction of the park. She also urged citizens to continue to support SPLOST and other referendums that make such community efforts possible.
The MLK Memorial Park and Corridor project has been years in the making, said Valdosta City Councilman Sonny Vickers. However, through the efforts of former and present city council members and mayors, the project was funded and approved for construction last year.
The 1.1 acre park is located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Ashley Street, and features a 41-foot monument with excerpts from King’s renowned “I Have a Dream” speech engraved into the sides of the monument. The park offers visitors an education on King’s life and legacy, engraved into 12 granite tablets spaced out throughout the park with lighting, walkways and landscaping.
Former councilman for District 2, Willie T. Head Jr., expressed hopes that the park be the beginning of a rejuvenation of District 2. He encouraged the community to “embrace it, love it and take care of it.”
During closing remarks, Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson recited words from King, “Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step.”
Pastor John Manning then offered the prayer and dedication of the park.
The MLK Memorial Park dedication was originally part of the month-long celebration of King’s life, but inclement weather postponed the original mid-January park opening date.
The city broke ground on the park in April 2009. Construction of Phase I of the park and corridor project continues and will extend from Oak Street to Lee Street. Phase II will carry the project from Lee Street to Fry Street.
Construction and design for the project is being handled by Pinnacle Prime Contractors and IPG Architects.
