House Resolution 52

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JULIE GRIMES WALDORF AND MICHAEL WALDORF FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS IN SUCCESSFULLY TRANSFORMING AN AREA OF DOWNTOWN FULTON, MISSISSIPPI, INTO THE POPULAR PLAYGARDEN PARK.

WHEREAS, Julie Grimes Waldorf and Michael Waldorf, part-time residents of Fulton, Mississippi, graciously donated approximately $1.7 million to build a park in downtown Fulton, which was successfully opened to all residents in the fall of 2010 as Playgarden Park; and

WHEREAS, the new Playgarden Park, for which an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on October 23, 2010, and an official dedication ceremony on October 28, 2010, is already one of the City of Fulton's most popular spots, that features a large gazebo, several benches, an inviting statue at its heart and two large playground areas; and

WHEREAS, located between the City Hall and Itawamba County Development Council building, the park also features an impressive large fountain system that shoots jets of water from the concrete, inviting children or particularly playful adults to splash around and cool down, thanks to the abundant generosity of Julie Grimes Waldorf and Michael Waldorf; and

WHEREAS, the two playground areas include multiple slides, climbable nets, towers, spiraling poles and more, that have already proven to be the energetic kid's paradise, and will continue to promote exercise for the youth of Fulton for years and years to come; and

WHEREAS, the unique bronze statue at the heart of Playgarden Park that mingles cartoonish style with subtle substance was created by acclaimed public artist, Tom Otterness, whose works are featured across the globe in cities such as New York City, Paris, Munich, Beverly Hills, and now, Fulton, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, "The generosity of the Waldorfs in giving back to the community by building this park provides an incredible benefit to both current and future generations and will bring lots of smiles and laughter to the children of the area for years to come. All of the people of Fulton are so appreciative of what they have done," stated State Representative Donnie Bell, whose kids have already enjoyed playing in the new park on multiple occasions; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend and express appreciation to those individuals who help to improve their community and the State of Mississippi for the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and express appreciation to Julie Grimes Waldorf and Michael Waldorf for their outstanding efforts and contributions in successfully transforming an area of downtown Fulton, Mississippi, into the popular Playgarden Park and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Julie Grimes Waldorf and Michael Waldorf and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.