Give a Hoot - May 2026
Hi neighbors!
I have no choice but to blame the rain on why this newsletter is delayed… because that’s the best excuse I can think of at this point.
👋 A big hello to Cody Hitchcock who is the new Site Coordinator at the Wylde Center’s Edgewood Gardens.
He’s eager to connect the community to the Gardens, so reach out to him with ideas!
2 immediate needs from ONE are top of mind this month. Are you interested in being…
Transportation Committee Chair. If you have a lifelong passion for thing with wheels and making moving around our city a better experience, you were born for this role.
Senior Resident Liaison. This is a new role we’ve brainstormed to help offer a bridge between neighborhood resources and our senior residents in Edgewood.
We’re keeping this month short and sweet. There is a ton of fun stuff happening, and big ideas coming to fruition that we hope you will all. participate in.
Let’s dive into it…
The Parks & Greenspaces Committee, led by Kelly Draper, has worked tirelessly to elevate Walker Park, Edgewood’s only official City of Atlanta Park.
The next step in this process is renaming the park. ONE voted with near unanimous support this month to move forward with a renaming to choose a name that better embodies the culture and spirit of the Edgewood community.
So why not the current name? Walker Park is named after Confederate Major General William H.T. Walker, who fought in the Battle of Atlanta during the American Civil War and was killed near the current park location.
General Walker was pro-slavery and supported values that do not represent those of the Edgewood neighborhood.
The neighborhood seeks a name that embodies inclusivity and the community spirit.
Thanks to participation from a handful of residents, we’ve got a list of potential names. The choices are:
Martha Lean Scruggs Park: Honors a lifelong resident of Edgewood and community leader, emphasizing everyday leadership and resilience.
Leggett Hill Park: Reflects historical geography, linking to Union Brig. Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett and continues the Civil War representation that Walker Park currently carries.
Mary Lou Williams Park: Celebrates a globally recognized jazz pianist born in Edgewood, connecting the neighborhood to broader cultural heritage.
Rose Hill Park: Acknowledges the displaced Rose Hill community, now Candler Park, and the historical context that still exists in our community.
Charlie Turner Park: Recognizes a longtime local Edgewood leader advocating for parks and community investment.
Our ask: Which name do you like? Please complete the poll below after reviewing the choices or email edgewoodgreenspaceatl@gmail.com with additional suggestions.
Vote now versus waiting, as the Committee intends to bring this to vote in the June ONE meeting and your input is critical.
What's your favorite name?
Martha Lean Scruggs Park
Leggett Hill Park
Mary Lou Williams Park
Rose Hill Park
Charlie Turner Park
This poll has expired. We are no longer collecting any responses.
Once ONE votes on a new name in June, the process will continue through NPU-O and City Council for final vote and approval.
Hoot and holler gives you the quick-hits of the must-dos from the ‘hood:
Saturday, 5/30 @ 10am - Monthly Walker Park Play Date - all families are welcome to come, play and meet other Edgewood families
Wednesday, 6/3 @ 5pm to close @ Varuni Napoli - ONE Spirit Night - Varuni Napoli is generously donating 20% of their proceeds to ONE for those who mention you’re there for ONE
Saturday, 6/6 from 11-1pm @ El Tesoro - Tacos & Talkin’ with Councilmember Matt Westmoreland
Thursday, 6/11 from 6-7:30pm @ VinATL - Summer Spritz Tasting
Saturday, 6/20 from 4-8pm - Roots Revival at Mulberry Fields - A magical evening of live music, local food vendors, kids activities, and community fun to celebrate our beautiful garden. Don’t miss the "Chickabilly" lighting and bonfire s’mores—pre-order your gear and Kids Passports at https://www.friendsmulberryfields.org/roots-swag.
Saturday, 6/27 @ 10am - Monthly Walker Park Play Date - all families are welcome to come, play and meet other Edgewood families
Sunday, 6/28 from 1-3pm - Toomer Rising Kindergarten Playground Meetup @ Coan Park Playground - sign up for more Rising Kindergarten updates
Tuesday, 6/30 all day @ El Tesoro - ONE Spirit Night - El Tesoro is generously donating 10% of their entire day’s net profits to ONE
Sunday, 8/2 from 1-3pm - Toomer Rising Kindergarten Playground Meetup @ Toomer Playground - sign up for more Rising Kindergarten updates
Saturday, 9/12 - Kirkwood Wine Stroll
Every Wednesday night at 7pm @ Bona Fide Deluxe - Adult Trivia
We look forward to seeing you at upcoming neighborhood meetings!
NPU-O - 6/23 @ 6:30pm (Zoom) - meets fourth Tuesday of every month
Zoning Committee - 6/6 @ 6:30pm (In Person - 37 Hutchinson Street - or Zoom) - meets first Monday of every month
Transportation Committee - 6/10 @ 7pm (Zoom)
Edgewood Parents Network - typically meets first Monday of every month; email for details
Community & Belonging Committee - reach out to know you’re interested - onecommunitybelongingcommittee@gmail.com
Organized Neighbors of Edgewood aka ONE - 6/16 @ 6:30pm (Zoom or Coan Rec Center) - meetings third Tuesday of every month; NEW EARLIER TIME!
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