Staff photo - Allie Jackson Roy E. Parks gets a golf cart ride from Charlotte Ewing

A crowd of about 50 people gathered at the empty field on Fifth Street, next to the Auburn City Library on Sunday, March 16, to witness a groundbreaking ceremony for the new playground that will be named in honor of former Mayor Roy Parks.

The name of the playground was approved unanimously by the Auburn City Council, and the decision was made at a meeting that the play area would be called the Roy E. Parks Community Playground.

Councilwoman Peggy Langley said that Parks had never asked for any recognition for his service.

Parks served as Auburn's mayor for 22 nonconsecutive years. He is a life-long resident of Auburn and he said that he has seen many changes in the city since moving to Auburn more than 80 years ago.

"There has been so many changes," Parks said. "It [Auburn] has grown tremendously ... It's going to be a city now, it used to be a town," said Parks.

During Parks service as mayor he was involved in establishing a 60,000 gallon water tank, saw the first street light go up and began a garbage pick up.

Billy Parks, Roy's son, said that his dad always wanted to provide security for the people and so he played a large role with the police department.

"He was here during the growing years. He'd be the first to tell you that he didn't do it all by himself," said Billy Parks. "It took the mayor and the city council to accomplish these things," he said. "We are just so thrilled and thankful. We can't wait for the park to get here and then the kids can play."

Mayor Linda Blechinger, council members and family members joined Roy Parks in the groundbreaking ceremony. After the groundbreaking, there was a reception held in his honor at City Hall.

"I enjoyed the groundbreaking ceremony," Roy Parks said. "It was mighty nice. It's also a mighty good thing to fix a place for the kids to play," he said. "Everybody seems like they are pleased to live here."

When asked whether he considered Auburn his home he said, "yes, it sure is. It's a good place to live."

The equipment for the playground has been delivered from Korcat, the company that will provide and install the equipment. A-Cut-Above Landscaping and Tree Service has built a retaining wall and will be helping with the parking area for the playground. Herndon Fence will be constructing a lighted fence for the area.

Originally published Sunday, March 23, 2008