McDONOUGH— A new park is underway in the Kelleytown area after much planning from county officials.
Henry County held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Bud Kelley Park Thursday for the passive park which will feature 124 acres of free space for citizens to enjoy.
Edwin “Bud” Kelley, a former county commissioner from 1969 to 1976, who passed away in 2013, was nicknamed the “Mayor of Kelleytown” by area residents. He was the owner of Kelleytown Food Mart for more than 50 years and was a beloved and respected member of the community. Officials say the Kelley family was instrumental in the establishment of the Kelleytown community in McDonough.
“It is a great honor to finally break ground at this park,” said District IV Commissioner Blake Prince. “Bud Kelley Park will be a great service to citizens and the community and we are happy to honor Bud Kelley and the Kelley family.”
Chairman Tommy Smith, Commissioner Gary Barham, county manager Lyndon Bonner, several county officials, and several members and friends of the Kelley family were present during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Former District IV Commissioner Reid Bowman, also present during the ceremony, made the creation of the Kelleytown Park a priority under SPLOST IV.
Planned amenities for the park include over two miles of paved walking trails, two pavilions equipped with picnic tables, one pavilion equipped with a serving window, a large playground with rubber surface area, a concrete walking track circling the playground, a par course with ten fitness elements, eight shaded rest benches, two convenient parking lots and restroom facilities. The park will not be used as a sports venue.
“My dad loved Henry County and the Kelleytown community,” said Buddy Kelley, Bud Kelley’s son. “We are thankful for his remembrance through this park.”
The park at 1605 Kelleytown Road is scheduled for completion by spring of 2016, and the work is being performed by the Sports Turf Company Inc. It is funded through SPLOST IV at a cost of $2.75 million.
