The City of Athens, Kiwanis Club, and Keep Athens Beautiful partner for Kiwanis Park improvements

Pictured from left are Kiwanis Club Members: Gerald McCool, Shelby Cummins, Jordan Risinger, Colin Barrett and Kristina Jacobson; Mayor Monte Montgomery, Outgoing Kiwanis Club President: Tilo Galvan; Incoming Kiwanis Club President: Rik Drummond, City of Athens Parks Department Superintendent: Shannon Easley, Parks Department employees: David Lawley, Tony Roberts, Scott Spencer, Jose Hernandez, Coy Seay, Peter Fitzharris and Kori Wallander. Keep Athens Beautiful Executive Director: Carol Morton, and City of Athens Assistant City Manager: Thanasis Kombos. (Courtesy photo)

Press release

Kiwanis Park is one of Athens’ most treasured parks. Whether it’s the splash pad that you or your children love, the famous rocket ship, or the pavilion space ideal for memory making birthday parties or family gatherings, Kiwanis Park truly offers something for the whole family to enjoy. For that reason, the City of Athens, Kiwanis Club, and Keep Athens Beautiful have come together to see that Kiwanis Park receive a few much-needed improvements.

Chances are, if you have driven down South Prairieville Street in recent weeks, you’ve seen the progress of some of these updates. In the spirit of true partnership, these organizations have invested their time and finances into seeing this park improved. The Athens Kiwanis Club took on the painting and restoration of all park pavilions as well as the legendary rocket ship, replaced weathered park bench wood with fresh new wood, and installed a beautiful and safe new fence along the perimeter of the main park space. Keep Athens Beautiful purchased modern trash receptacles for the park while the City of Athens Parks Department took care of the installation. And most recently, the City of Athens purchased a new and improved swing set and placed it in a safer, more central location.

“I am very pleased with and proud of the recent improvements to Kiwanis Park. As the incoming Kiwanis Club President, I am thrilled that the City of Athens and Keep Athens Beautiful have partnered with Kiwanis to see that this park receives all of the attention necessary to maintain itself as the beloved recreational space that it is,” said incoming Kiwanis Club President Rik Drummond. “I look forward to working together in the future and am eager to see how the citizens of Athens respond to these wonderful improvements to Kiwanis Park.”

City of Athens Mayor Monte Montgomery said, “I can remember playing here when I was a little boy and I am very impressed with the work that has been done. It’s a great thing to see three wonderful organizations come together to see that this valued park is maintained with excellence. I am extremely proud of our City of Athens Parks Department for all of their hard work and I encourage the citizens of Athens to come out and enjoy these terrific improvements to Kiwanis Park!”

Parks are a vital part of a community, and these three organizations are dedicated to seeing that Kiwanis Park remain a safe, clean, and fun destination for all citizens to enjoy. Special thanks to the City of Athens, the Athens Kiwanis Club, and Keep Athens Beautiful for your contributions to this worthwhile project.

For any questions or more information regarding this project please contact City Hall at 903-675-5131.

Pictured: new swing set with local children at play.
Pictured: Carol Morton, Keep Athens Beautiful Executive Director with a new trash can.