Historic Lynwood Park unveils final transformation

Event fulfills promises of historic recognition

Brookhaven, GA, Sept. 15, 2023 – It was a packed house at the Lynwood Recreation Center for the unveiling and dedication of a series of historic monuments and naming dedications on Sept. 12.

Mayor John Ernst, Mayor Pro Tempore Linley Jones, and Councilmembers Madeleine Simmons and John Funny cut the ribbon on the newly named Lynwood Park Trail Blazers Community Room.  Other dedications included the unveiling of the bronze historic recognition plaque, a historic showcase with memorabilia of the community’s storied history, the dedication of the gymnasium as the Columbus Jones Gymnasium, and the dedication of the newly installed synthetic turf field in memory of longtime community member Emmanual Wallace.

Previously installed gateway markers at the roundabout intersection of Windsor Parkway and Osborne Road have been accented with art crosswalks, created by local artist Turiya Clark, who grew up in Lynwood Park. The entrance monuments, identifying the neighborhood of Historic Lynwood Park, were showcased as well in the context of the City of Brookhaven’s 2020 historic designation. 

“This is the formal delivery of the promises made and kept with this community.  We have made a substantial monetary investment in Lynwood Park – with $10 million of upgrades.  But Brookhaven has also made a human investment in this community – preserving its history and memorializing the struggle for future generations,” said Mayor Pro Tempore and District 1 Councilwoman Linley Jones.

Lynwood Park was established in the early 1930’s and was the first predominantly Black subdivision in DeKalb County.  Residents throughout the following years suffered discrimination and segregation.  In 1968, students of the school, known as the Lynwood Trailblazers, bravely entered the previously segregated DeKalb County School System. The Brookhaven City Council issued its first official historic designation for Lynwood Park and its community in 2020, but monument signage was delayed until after $10 million in park improvements was completed.