Workday Scheduled for Memorial Playground

Construction on the Cunard Memorial Playground was to begin Saturday, Nov. 15, “Community Build Day,” beginning at 7 a.m. in the John Howell Park on Virginia Avenue.

The park will be in memory of Lisa Cunard and her sons, Max, 3, and Owen, five months. All were killed in tragic accident on July 10 when a tree struck the vehicle transporting them on their way home. Husband and father, Brad Cunard, was driving the vehicle and survived.

The Virginia-Highland community has rallied around Mr. Cunard by offering their support and have planned the memorial park as a tribute to his family. Mr. Cunard is the son of Rachel and Hubert Cunard of Jasper County.
{{more}}

Fund raising for the park has reached $105,000 some $30,000 short of its original goal. More than two dozen Virginia-Highland restaurants held a benefit dinner for the park this summer and several businesses, groups and individuals have donated to the cause.

This weekend more than 100 neighors are expected to help build the playground. The volunteer effort will continue throughout the day until the park is near completion. A rain date has been set for Saturday, Nov. 22.

The Cunard Memorial Playground will give the children in the neighborhood a place to play. The current playground is in need of revitalization and has many safety hazards. Plans include pieces for young children including a fire truck (Max’s favorite toy) as well as pieces for older kids.

“I think the idea for this playground is a wonderful thing and I think it’s a way my family can live through other people—through others enjoying the playground,” said Mr. Cunard.

“We always enjoyed John Howell Park and we took the kids up there all the time. The fact that other people will be able to enjoy it for years to come is a great thing.”

The Cunard family would like to thank everyone for their support.

For more information on the Community Build Day or fund, contact Cynthia Gentry at cynthiagentry@mindspring.com or call 404-875-0969. Contributions to the playground can be made payable to Park Pride/Cunard Memorial Playground, Virginia-Highland Civic Association, P.O. Box 8401, Station F, Atlanta. Ga., 31106.