On a warm Wednesday, July 2nd morning, joy filled the air in Statesboro’s historic Whitesville neighborhood as city leaders, community members, and descendants of longtime residents gathered to break ground on the long-awaited renovation of Whitesville Park.
The event marked a milestone in a decades-long community-driven effort to reclaim, restore, and reimagine a vital gathering place at the heart of the neighborhood.
The $1.2 million project, funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, represents the single largest public investment in the Whitesville community in the history of the City of Statesboro. More than just the beginning of a construction project, the ceremony was a celebration of faith, legacy, and perseverance.
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
City Manager Charles Penny opened the program by invoking the spirit of beloved community advocate Carrie Howard, a lifelong champion for Whitesville and former president of the Whitesville Community Resource and Development Organization.
“Been here for six years, y’all,” Penny said, “and I’ve heard about the Whitesville community every day since I’ve been in Statesboro.”
He emphasized the project’s significance not only for the residents of Whitesville but for the entire city, adding that the revitalized park was a long time coming and would be a lasting tribute to the people who never gave up hope.
An invocation by Larry Bishop Jones followed, setting a reverent tone for the ceremony. “We know that prayer changes things,” he said. “You may not come when we want you, God, but You’re right on time.”
Park Plans and Community Vision
Assistant City Manager Jason Boyles, who previously served as Director of Public Works and Engineering, described the years of effort behind the park’s redesign, noting his early conversations with Carrie Howard about possibilities for the space.
John Lavender of Lavender & Associates, the project contractor, detailed the planned renovations, which include:
- A new basketball court and restroom facility
- A modern playground for children ages 2–12
- Two picnic shelters and a group pavilion
- Walking areas with benches, water fountains, and trash receptacles
Lavender noted that while most construction could begin quickly, playground equipment would take longer to arrive and would determine the final completion date.
Legacy of Carrie Howard and the Grassroots Movement
Councilmember Tangie Johnson, who represents District 1, delivered a moving tribute to Carrie Howard and the grassroots advocates who laid the foundation for this moment.
“Although Miss Howard is no longer with us at this time, we are thankful for the seeds that she planted in this community,” Johnson said. “Your work may not always make the headlines, but it does move mountains.”
She also honored Bishop Jones for his faith-driven activism and the many community members who showed up to meetings, marched, and organized for change.
Carol Hunter, Carrie Howard’s daughter, then offered heartfelt remarks on her mother’s vision and the legacy of those who came before. Naming dozens of community members who helped form the original Whitesville Resource and Development Organization, Hunter described evenings where elders would meet around her family’s kitchen table to plan for the future.
“This moment marks more than just a construction project, it’s the continuation of a vision,” Hunter said. “My mother never gave up. She would never stop, and she would never give in.”
“Doing It Right” – A Commitment from City Leadership
Mayor Jonathan McCollar delivered a rousing speech that reflected on his deep ties to the community and the spiritual charge behind the project. Mayor McCollar opened with advice given to him by his mentor and friend Pastor Wayne Williams, "If you do it right, God will bless it right!"
Mayor McCollar continued, “This project is the largest investment into the Whitesville community in the history of Statesboro. We stand on the shoulders of the trailblazers who came before us.”
He shared a personal message he had received from Carrie Howard years ago and underscored his philosophy that while progress may take time, the key is doing it right.
“You can do it fast, or you can do it right,” he said. “And I’m going to always bet on doing it right. Because when you do it right, God will bless it right.”
The mayor also outlined ongoing city investments across Statesboro, including a $2 million food bank, housing rehabilitation programs, and expanded youth programming—positioning the Whitesville Park project as part of a broader commitment to equity and community development.
Groundbreaking and a Community Embrace
Before the ceremonial groundbreaking began, Penny invited former Councilmember Sam Jones and other longtime advocates to be recognized. “Mr. Jones was always calling me, worrying me about this park,” he joked, “but we’re here.”
In a powerful gesture, Penny invited all community members present—especially Whitesville residents—to take a turn with the shovels.
“This is your park,” he said. “If you want to throw some dirt, go throw some dirt.”
Looking Forward
While construction will begin in the coming weeks, Wednesday’s groundbreaking already fulfilled a vision years in the making. For those who remember when the park fell into disrepair, the ceremony was more than symbolic—it was healing.
The new park looks to be finished in the fall of this year, and will be a place for play and peace, family and fellowship, memory and momentum. As Carol Hunter noted, it will be a testament to what’s possible when community stands firm in love and determination.