Dedication of Holt, others cited as playground unveiled
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

The All Children's Playground was named after Luther Holt because of his dedication for the project.

But as the first phase of the playground was dedicated at Picnic Park Tuesday afternoon, Holt's son Michael said there are many others to thank.

Michael Holt called the playground "a tribute to the awareness and dedication of those who live here in Peachtree City."

"Although my father's name is on the plaque, we know who it's for it's for the children," Holt said.

Holt's mother, Gerri, joined him as both fought back tears of joy. "Thank you, Peachtree City!" she said.

Michael Holt recalled his brother, who died at the age of 8 and had a disability "but we never treated it as such." The playground operates on the same principle, with a wheelchair and walker friendly ramp leading up to the play area and a rubberized floor which makes it easier to get around for children with physical disabilities.

Mayor Bob Lenox hailed the playground as the first of its kind in metro Atlanta. He said he was proud of the effort since the city only provided the land while local citizens raised funds and installed the equipment.

"To me, that's just a little bit of a miracle," Lenox said.

Holt said he hopes the playground serves as a model for other cities to emulate. The concept for the playground began back in 1999 when local resident Colleen Sugar wrote a letter to the city, noted Randy Gaddo, the city's leisure services director.

Tate Godfrey, who served as the honorary chairman for the fundraising campaign, said donations are still being sought as the group is halfway towards its $50,000 goal to build the second phase of the playground.

"I can't think of a better project for companies and families to get involved in," Godfrey said. "You can get out here and play no matter what your abilities."

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