By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
We met for the last time in 2024, and as always, it was hard to believe. The year had flown, and there was much to celebrate. I told Mayor Ronnie about the joy of going on December 14th to the Horton House (see page 3) and it was during our time together that he told me that as far as he knew, he was sitting in the spot that had been his Honor’s first floor parlor room when the house had been standing on the City Hall spot. The house was moved to Greenbrier in 1935.
We celebrated the fact that in the last year there have been massive sewer system improvements, greenspace projects are moving forward, and the city is fiscally sound. “We have had a great 2024, and expect that 2025 will be, too,” said the mayor. While we got coffee in the boardroom, Mayor Ronnie showed me an artist’s rendering of the new Swan Creek Park, also known as Make-A-Way which is currently being renewed and is one of the “gifts” that everyone will be able to enjoy for generations to come.
Make-A-Way is part of the master development plan that is designed to give residents what they say is one of the most important items when surveyed, and that is green space and privacy. Make-A-Way will feature pickleball courts, baseball fields, and more.
Along with Make-A-Way, Sunrise Park on Pryor Street where the old Pilgrim’s Pride chicken plant is coming along. “Materials are starting to be gathered, and we are making progress,” said Mayor Ronnie. The City of Athens was able to remove the old substation on 5th Ave, clean up the area, and add a basketball facility.
“I am meeting with community members from the Lincoln-Bridgeforth community to discuss upgrades to the Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park,” said the mayor. Speaking of upgrades, he mentioned that many people have come up to compliment the city on the 2024 Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park. Now the trees are stunning both passersby and strollers on three sides of the park’s pool and fountain, and it is indeed beautiful. The city made it possible to upgrade what had previously been referred to as the North Pole Stroll by providing electricity. He also wanted everyone involved in making the Tinsel Trail so wonderful to know how much he appreciated their efforts. Of special poignancy was the tree sponsored by Relay for Life, and those honoring people who had passed this year. He mentioned how he and Quinton had been to Trash Panda field, and there was a line all the way around the field to get in to see their light show.
“Sippin’ Cider was packed,” said Mayor Ronnie. “It was,” I agreed, and told him a story of doing one of my favorite things in downtown Athens, and that is swinging on the swings at Athens Alehouse before I headed for home. He showed me a winter scene painting he had done at High Cotton Arts, and I said, “Wow! I didn’t know you could paint!” He grinned, and there was just one thing left to do, which was to pray. So, for the last time in 2024, we did just that, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
December 20, 2024
