<< History

Facts About The Initiative

The park, named after Cleopas R. Johnson, director of Morris Brown College band, also known as the “Marching Wolverines” became nationally known under his direction and played for national audiences, and was in many instances, the first Black band to do so. Cleopas R. Johnson Park was renamed in memory of the late band director on October 2, 1997 that included a dedication ceremony, a pep rally, and an “Old School Reception” The neighborhoods of Villages at Castleberry Hill, West End, Vine City, Castleberry Hill, and the Atlanta University Center are all stakeholders in Cleopas R. Johnson Park; it is conveniently located where all of these communities meet and provides a great opportunity for creating synergy among them. • The Friends of Cleopas R. Johnson Park is a program operating under Community and Housing Initiatives Corporation, which is located within the John Hope Community Center. Cleopas R. Johnson Park is located on Northside Drive, between Fair and Larkin Streets, North of McDaniel Street and South of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. • A City of Atlanta, Office of Cultural Affairs, Public Art Program gateway project will be created by an artist for Cleopas R. Johnson Park. • The City of Atlanta will be installing new playground equipment and surfaces in Cleopas R. Johnson Park and is currently working on planning and implementation with the Friends of Cleopas R. Johnson Park 2007 Accomplishments: • Creation of the Friends of Cleopas R. Johnson Park and the recruitment of partners and supporters • 2008 Planning Grant Award from the Atlanta Falcons for the Project Open Market Program • 2007 Grant Award from Home Depot • Needs Assessment Begun & Visioning and 2008 Goals Set 2008 Goals: • To establish projects that can bring the diverse, surrounding communities together • To initiate regular neighborhood clean-ups of the park and beautification • To secure funding for (Project Open Market) for youth to be trained entrepreneurs and organize a local neighborhood based “fresh fruit, vegetable and art/vendor market. • To establish cultural arts programs that will utilize the park. • To support the implementation of a City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program Gateway project • To provide community input to the City of Atlanta Office of Park Design in the options available for the new park amenities and equipment • To choose a logo design that will invite the park’s diverse neighbors and visitors to enjoy the new amenities and artwork, making it a comfortable and safe place for surrounding residents, students, and visitors to enjoy. • To continue to seek additional funding for the park and programs that will encourage community participation Members, Supporters, and Coalition Partners • Community Housing and Initiatives Corporation – Melanie Wofford, Executive Director • City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program • H.J. Russell Company, Ronda Shannon Dobbs, Director of Resident Services • Villages at Castleberry Hill – Karen Hudson, Neighborhood Watch • Clark Atlanta University’s Upward Bound Program • Clark Atlanta University – Jackie Harris, Property Manager • Georgia State University – Angela Klepach, Graduate Student • University Community Development Corporation – Jetta Winfield • From Your Heart, Inc. – Calvin Shellman • Office of Congressman John Lewis – Jared McKinley • NatBo. The EDGE, Inc./Atlennium, Inc. – Nathaniel B. Dyer, Owner/Founder • NPU-T - Kwabena Nkoro, President • Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association – Erica Pines, President