John Howell Memorial Park Renovation
We're so excited to share...
The Parks Committee’s recent work has focused on reimagining the playground as the lower playground will be replaced by a rainwater solution. In the latest plans, the playground improvements are more centrally focused in and around the Cunard Playground. This space will be expanded to include new swingsets, an area for younger children, and a grand centerpiece play structure. The iconic firetruck will remain but move a few feet to the east (either as a new and shiny model or with a complete overhaul). Finally, a new area with picnic tables for parents and caregivers (or birthday parties!) will sit between the playground and the new rainwater area. The committee’s goal is to replace all of the capacity and key elements currently found on the lower playground in this refreshed and expanded space. We look forward to involving the community in the final selection of playground equipment before the end of the year.
As we move into the second half of 2023, the VHCA’s focus will shift from planning and design to fundraising. With our larger concept revised and vetted, we can soon define a cost estimate for the project and set a fundraising goal. We will seek any and all funding from public sources and have already had preliminary conversations with our representatives at city hall and Park Pride.
We are so grateful for everyone's support of VHCA's events: VaHi Concert Series, 50th Anniversary Gala, Summerfest, and Tour of Homes - all of which are 100% volunteer run. Above and beyond those efforts, funding for this project will require significant support from businesses and individuals in our community, as well as the City through TSPLOST dollars and grant funding the Parks Committee will pursue.
Please consider a tax-deductible contribution today via the Donate button below. You may also mail a check to "Virginia-Highland Conservation League" at PO Box 8401 Station F Atlanta, GA 31106. All funds for renovation efforts are being collected by Virginia-Highland Conservation League.
Be sure to sign up for The Voice for updates, and contact us at [email protected] with your contact information if you would like us to reach out during our upcoming fundraising drive.
Check out the Latest Plan!
You can also explore our first Iterations in Concept Planning from January 2023 and November 2022.
Identified Areas of Improvement
Guiding principles for the Virginia-Highland Civic Association Parks Committee have required a deliberative and explorative approach to this process. As we have considered a wide range of options within known constraints, there have been some clear areas where feedback and ideas have been consistent. We hope you will agree as well. We remain open to exploring new ideas as we continue to refine these concepts. Below is a list of known requirements and broadly accepted improvements:
- Revitalization of the Great Lawn so that it is a lush and smooth surface
- Maintain the size of the Great Lawn so its many uses may continue, from flying a kite to lounging in front of next year's Summerfest line up
- New playgrounds for 2-5 year olds, 5-12 year olds, and potentially equipment for adults
- Rainwater solution for the area of the existing lower playground
- No changes to the volleyball court
- In the round area encircled by donor bricks near Barnett (aka the Oval/Ellipse), install a rubberized surface or astroturf
- Full assessment of all trees to support a healthy tree canopy for generations to come
- Fix any and all physically broken elements (water lines to fountains, fence posts, benches, etc)
- An open, airy connection between upper and lower areas of the park that includes a slide and stairs
- Pickleball as a use does not fit well into the existing elevations in JHP and an activated use of that kind would likely impact the experience of a nature-rich park
From walks under the trees to impromptu picnics, live music, birthday parties to workouts, John Howell Park has been an integral part of Virginia-Highland for generations. These three acres enrich our neighborhood and our lives.
Please join us in our effort to revitalize our community’s signature park. We have now moved beyond conceptual planning and are in the design phase. We invite you to be a part of the entire process — from conceptual input to financial support.
Your contributions will ensure John Howell Park remains a thriving part of our vibrant neighborhood.
Fundraising Kickoff Letter
Explore the story of how John Howell Park came into existence and how fundraising now is part of a long story of engaged and focused citizens working to make this park a reality.
Community Survey
The survey has completed. We appreciate all of your input into this project.
Virginia Park 485
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.