70% Funded and Counting!
Thanks to our amazing community, we've now raised $680,000 for Phase 1 of the John Howell Park master plan! That includes $240,000 from 48 Founding Member families, whose leadership is helping build our momentum.
Our next goal is to reach 60 Founding Members and $350,000 in community donations by September.
We've also applied for a major grant. If we hit both targets over the next 90 days, we'll close our final funding gap and begin the permitting process this fall.
Help Us Reach Our Final Goals: Donate Today!
Highlights from Q2
🪧 New Signs In The Park. A big thank you to Bellissimo Homes for building and installing two new fundraising thermometer signs — one near Barnett Street on the east side of the park and another by the lower playground to the west. We're excited to watch them fill up, and grateful to Bryan for going above and beyond to make it happen!
🍪 Cookie Season Success. Here’s an extra special shout out to one of our VaHi scout troops! Girl Scouts® Troop 26047 donated their earnings from their Spring’s cookie sale to our park renovation. We can’t get enough of this pic – small but mighty neighbors with our tall and mighty sign! Please help us celebrate our newest (and youngest!) Bronze Founding Members!
🌷 Spring Yard Sale. Another thanks to the VHCA for bringing awareness to Friends of John Howell Park through their second annual Spring Yard Sale. Yard Sale donations totalled over $1,500, including entry donations and one family that donated their entire sale proceeds to the park!
🎉 Spring Party in the Park. Right after the VHCA Yard Sale, we hosted our first Party In the Park event to bring neighbors together to learn about the JHP master plan and our progress to date. It was a huge success, with 50 families hanging out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the playground. Don’t miss our next Party In the Park coming up in September. See below for details!
📝 New Grant Opportunity. Thanks to a neighbor's introduction, we've applied for a major grant that could significantly close our funding gap. We're expecting a decision by late Q3, fingers crossed! In the meantime, if you work in philanthropy or know of grant opportunities for urban greenspaces, conservation, or accessibility, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at friendsofjohnhowellpark@gmail.com.
Save the Date – Our Next Party In the Park is Sept 27!
Mark your calendar for our next Party In the Park coming up September 27! Our second meet and greet at the John Howell Park playground is another great chance to gather with neighbors, meet some of our Founding Members and learn more about what’s next for this project!
When: Sunday, Sept 27 | 3–5 PM
Where: John Howell Park Playground
Food: Light bites and refreshments
Activities: Kids games and prizes
Help Us Close the Gap
Ready to get involved? There are now 3 ways to give: Founding Membership, commemorative bricks, and donations of any amount - all in support of Phase I. Every contribution moves us closer to breaking ground! You can give online, mail a check or give through your DAF or employer match program using EIN: 26-4175136. Have questions? Reach out at friendsofjohnhowellpark@gmail.com.
Your support is what makes this momentum possible!
With gratitude,
Friends of John Howell Park, LLC
EIN: 26-4175136
1190 N. Highland Ave. #8401
Atlanta GA 3030
friendsofjohnhowellpark.org