CityView Magazine

W By Kelly Twedell Photograph by Anna Lester With the importance of parks growing in the public consciousness, including being discussed at city council meetings, I sought out to find what distinguishes great parks from all the rest. While there is not a cookie cutter solution, some of our local parks have been true standouts. Parks that have created programs that tend to share certain elements account for a great deal of their success. Here's a list of three truly outstanding parks. Each example highlights particular strategies for achieving greatness and illustrates how these different strategies interact and enhance each other. General Lee Park General Lee Avenue General Lee Park has been a staple for stay-at-home moms and their toddlers for many years. Families can be often seen picnicking on the park's lawn. The surrounding homes have residents who truly look out for each other. One of those neighbors is a local family who restored their 103-year old historic Haymount property, known by locals as the Huske-Jordan home. Dan and Ashley Culliton felt the sense of pride many of our neighbors share for the community, quickly realizing the potential that Haymount had to offer. This fostered their desire to contribute by helping to grow and further stimulate that spirit. After some discussion they decided the best way to do this was to put their business skills and contacts to good use by creating Happenin' in Haymount (HIH). For the past six months Dan and Ashley have worked diligently to build this non-profit community organization. HIH was created for the coordination of community activity and to ingrain a stronger neighborhood identity through active partnership and social engagement. It consists of a volunteer group of residents committed to improving our 42 | August • 2013 Photograph by Anna Lester hat makes a great park? While some succeed as lively public spaces others seem sparse with visitors. As more communities actively seek ways to create outstanding parks, it seems inevitable that the quality of them and their programs will improve. immediate Haymount area through various social functions, fundraisers, communal networking, neighborhood safety and crime prevention. Basically, they are bringing life, friendship and solidarity back to Haymount. This past spring they were able to erect a brand new community bulletin board at the General Lee Park through local donation and corporate support. It has received an outpouring of positive community feedback and gratitude. They are now working to create an annual calendar of events, as well as a formal tier of directors and committees to aid in the rapid growth and regulation of the organization. Their kick-off event back in March, Spring Fling EggStravaganza, was a major success. Loaded with activities for the entire family, it included a 3,000-count egg hunt, music, bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, mobile video game theatre and party station with concessions, raffles, prizes and a very special visit from the Easter Bunny himself! Attending the event was District Councilman Bobby Hurst, the Chief of Police Harold Medlock, sanctioned Junior League of Fayetteville volunteers, as well as friends and family of the many local businesses that were gracious enough to donate to such an impactful and constructive new organization! Most recently, they held their first annual AfterDark in The Park outdoor movie night event. It was an instant success. Featuring the family hit, "Madagascar", they featured music, concessions, LED light up apparel and community vendors. The community really came together to make it all happen. Councilman Hurst was sure to volunteer his time and show all of his support that evening alongside neighbors at the concession stand. "We have been very fortunate to have had such a positive response from our local area and cannot wait to see where this takes us as a community," said Ashley Culliton. Within the Haymount Community Organization, weekly clubs and neighborly groups have been implemented such as Mommy & Me Play Date, Yoga in the Park , newly forming Supper Club, as well as Sustainable Neighbors Group. Homes for sale go quickly in the quaint little community anchored around the General Lee Park.

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