The Alliance to Improve Emory Village (AIEV) is well on its way to finishing progress on the Emory Village Park. Located in front of Falafel King, the park is one aspect of AIEV's $2.1 million Roundabout and Streetscape Construction project.
The last addition to the park will be a circular bench that will circumscribe the center tree, according to AIEV chair Todd Hill.
To mark the park's near completion, the AIEV held a dedication ceremony on Nov. 8. More than 200 supporters came out to celebrate.
The creation of the park, designed by Hill, is the latest endeavor of the AIEV's 12-year-long effort. Other aspects of the project to enhance Emory Village include creating the roundabout to ease traffic flow, planting more than 40 trees in the area and creating sidewalks to accommodate walkers, cyclists and wheelchairs.
The road to completion of the park was impeded when much of the park's budget was used by DeKalb County, who partnered with AIEV in this project, to deal with unexpected problems with road construction in Emory Village, Hill explained.
"Our budget was [decreasing]," he said. "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing, which to me is the park ... Let's get this thing built."
To combat their dwindling budget, AIEV began looking for other sources of income to support the park's construction. They started a fundraising campaign, which included coupon books, letter writing to those is in the surrounding community and gatherings hosted at various friends' houses in which a presentation was given about the park. Attendees were asked to donate.
Hill explained the latter two avenues brought in the most revenue. The University also donated to the cause, Hill said.
According to AIEV's September 2012 Financial Report, a total of 144 donations were received that amounted to approximately $61,000. Hill said the final count was $70,000. Those who donated more than $500 will have their names appear on a plaque in the park. The plaque will be an aluminum cast, Hill explained, so there will be no new additions after it is made.
Many additions to the park were donated by locals who wish to support AIEV's commitment to Emory Village. Ted Kelly, owner of Architectural Fountains and Pools, donated the fountain, which sits in the middle of the park and is named the Mary Kelly Fountain in honor of his wife and mother, both of whom are named Mary.
Designed and donated by Charles Calhoun, the 2,000-pound sculpture directly behind the fountain was created from an old Emory trolley unearthed during construction of N. Oxford Road. The original plan for the park did not include this sculpture, but after it was discovered, Hill decided to find some way to display it.
"We [had] to do something with this to recognize the history that was here," he said. "That's where [the rails] have been for decades, but now [they're] in a slightly different spot."
The fountain was built for sustainability in addition to aesthetic reasons, according to the AIEV's website. Plants in the park, as well as other areas of the Village landscape, will be irrigated by the fountain water, which is recirculated from a nearby well.
Not only will the revitalization of Emory Village, including the park, allow the community to benefit, it will also provide a safer environment for students, Hill said. Apart from the established pedestrian crosswalks around the roundabout, the Village is now well lit.
According to the AIEV website, the basics of the Village revitalization plan include conserving the existing historical structures, rejuvenating the water systems and green areas around the Village, offering affordable housing in the Village, increasing traffic and parking efficiency and creating a welcoming sidewalk shopping location.
All road construction will cease with the completion of Zoe's Kitchen, located across from the bookstore. In lieu of this, AIEV is starting to consider other ways to enliven the space, according to Hill. Before the construction began, most establishments held First Thursday events. On the first Thursday of each month, restaurants would stay open later and offer special deals. Hill said the AIEV is considering bringing back the event.
Hill expressed the desire for student feedback regarding First Thursdays and the possible establishment of new Village events.
Winner of the PEDS Golden Show Award for the Emory Village roundabout and "road diet" project, the AIEV is a nonprofit community organization run by volunteers from the Atlanta community.
– By Arianna Skibell
