Georgia Press Association recognizes Appen Media ► PAGE 6 June 27, 2024 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976
‘Red, White & YOU’ to herald 4th of July By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA
Dunwoody High School Principal Tom Bass waves to a rain-soaked crowd at the 2023 Dunwoody 4th of July Parade. The largest Independence Day Parade in Georgia will kick off at 9 a.m., July 4, from Mount Vernon and Jett Ferry roads.
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Georgia’s largest Independence Day Parade means a little more to Dunwoody residents. The Dunwoody Homeowner Association, the de facto community government before incorporation, hosts the event alongside the Dunwoody Reporter. Co-chair of the DHA’s annual parade, Penny Forman, came up with this year’s theme, “Red, White & YOU,” as a play on the colors of the American flag. “It shows that Independence Day is for everyone,” Forman said. “It’s about
Dunwoody and America coming together to celebrate our love for our community and our country.” Last year, more than 35,000 spectators watched as 2,500 participants paraded down the streets of the city. The parade route is 2.7 miles and takes about an hour to walk. As residents already know, the parade features an assortment of floats and vehicles, public officials, marching bands, vintage cars, clowns and animals. Parade participants step off at 9 a.m. from Mount Vernon Road at the Jett Ferry shopping center, continuing west
See PARADE, Page 13
Marcus Jewish Community Center opens new aquatic facility DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta hosted a grand opening of the new Zalik Outdoor Aquatic Center June 23. The state-of-the-art facility features the Dinerman Medeiros Pool, the Samsky Pool, the Alterman Pool, and the Barbara and Ed Mendel Splash Park. With a zero-entry pool, multiple inpool sundecks, large shade coverings and newly renovated locker rooms, the new center offers a family-friendly experience for swimmers of all ages. The facility also features the Shoob
Slide and Silverman Slide as well as expanded amenities, including the enlarged Sue Sue’s Snack Bar and Helen Marie Picnic Area. The MJCCA recently announced it surpassed its Capital Campaign goal, securing $36.4 million through donor contributions and community support. In addition to the new Zalik Outdoor Aquatic Center, several new facilities funded by the Capital Campaign will open in summer 2024 at the MJCCA’s Zaban Park campus. The Eva G. Lipman Pickleball
Complex, which opened June 26, features eight covered pickleball courts with rain-protection siding for allweather play and four uncovered courts. The complex will also house Cadranel’s Corner, a café with extensive social and viewing areas, multiple seating areas, and TVs. The complex includes the new Zaban Family Sports Pavilion, a large covered multi-sport court with highefficiency fans. The London Feldman Field has been converted to a high-end turf field. A new parking lot and numerous
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security enhancements have also been completed. At Camp Barney Medintz, new structures have been built, including cabins, bathrooms, a dining hall extension and an adult housing structure. Additional projects to be completed at Zaban Park include renovating the Brill Family Fitness Center, locker rooms and the main Zaban Blank building; reimagining the courtyard and adding a pedestrian walkway; and updating the preschool playground.