The Elizabeth Porter Park fund has received the largest donation of its fundraising campaign when the now dissolved Marietta Redevelopment Corporation contributed $40,701.
MRC was dissolved in March by its board of directors after the acquisition in late 2016 of eight acres for construction of 78 single-family homes and clearance of MRC’s existing debt, leaving the nonprofit with $40,701 after final expenses were paid.
MRC Chairman Terry Lee said, “Councilwoman Michelle Cooper Kelly was relentless in her pursuit of funds on behalf of Elizabeth Porter Park. She also presented the most compelling arguments why the money would be put to good use. Elizabeth Porter Park was selected because it is a significant part of Marietta’s history.”
Kelly, also chairwoman of the Marietta Elizabeth Porter Historic Committee, said the committee was formed in September 2015 “to establish a timeline among the historic hospital, the once popular canteen and the final re-purpose to the Elizabeth Porter recreational facility.”
Now the park fund has about $84,000 to tell the story of Marietta, Baptist Town and Porter who was the former recreation center manager.
Between Feb. 24 and June 21, the 15 members of Kelly’s committee raised $43,956 from community members and organizations to fund monument, art and murals in the new park.
Current plans call for an additional $50,000 to go towards a statue of Porter, donor recognition and interpretative signage within the park, recounting the history of the African-American hospital and the Baptist Town community.
Additional plans for enhancements to the park remain to be finalized.
