Project History

John Howell Park is more than green space—it’s a living tribute to Virginia-Highland’s spirit of grassroots activism, civic pride, and community resilience. Neighbors first came together in the 1970s to stop a planned freeway through this land, and that same commitment continues today through ongoing volunteer efforts to care for and improve the park. The stories below are a glimpse of that legacy—and remind us that places like this thrive when we care for them together.

Our Activist Roots
Since 1991, John Howell Park has been the signature park in Virginia Highland. But the story of the park began two decades earlier when resident activists saved the land after 11 homes were demolished for a freeway project that had been planned in the 1960s. Thanks to the passionate activism of residents in the neighborhood, the project was canceled in 1973, and the land was designated as a new city park.

Explore original Voice issues from 1973 announcing the purchase of the land and the official groundbreaking of a new park after the community successfully fended off I-485 construction through what is now Virginia-Highland. Read More

About John Howell
John C. Howell was a dedicated community leader and grassroots activist who served as the first president of the Virginia-Highland Civic Association. In fact, the VHCA was created by Howell and other community members who came together to stop the development of the I-485 freeway project and preserve the historic character of our neighborhood.

In addition to his civic activism, Howell was well known for his strong support of human rights, civil liberties and the arts. He passed away in 1988 due to complications from HIV/AIDS. To honor his legacy, John Howell Memorial Park was dedicated to his memory in 1989. His activism had a profound and immeasurable impact on our community that’s still seen and felt today.

The Cunard Memorial

On July 10, 2003, the Virginia-Highland community was shocked by the sudden loss of three neighbors – Lisa Cunard and her two sons, Max, 3, and Owen, 5-months-old – when a tree fell on their car during a storm. Brad Cunard was driving the car and he survived, but was left with the devastating loss of his wife and sons. Neighbors, friends and loved ones rallied around Brad with love and support. The VHCA led the neighborhood to raise more than $150,000, and in 2004, paid tribute to the Cunard family by dedicating The Cunard Memorial playground, located on the West side of John Howell Park.

Volleyball

The volleyball courts at John Howell Park are the product of a long-standing relationship between the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Volleyball League. This partnership has helped to build and maintain the courts since the early 1990s. The two sand volleyball courts on the West side of our park are frequently used for recreational and league play. You can explore more about the Atlanta Volleyball League, including events and reservation options for the courts at John Howell Park, at their website.

Current Renovation Effort

In 2022, the Virginia-Highland Civic Association launched an initiative to revitalize John Howell Park, addressing aging infrastructure and increased usage. VHCA has since helped transition stewardship of the project to a new nonprofit, Friends of John Howell Park, LLC. Together with the Virginia-Highland Conservation League, these organizations are working to ensure that planned improvements—like lawn restoration, stormwater upgrades, and new playground equipment—reflect the values and vision of the community. Read the original kickoff letter here.