Since 2014, South Fork Conservancy has been working with community partners to restore the woods and waterways of Zonolite Park, a former industrial site surrounding part of Peachtree Creek. The project has had a long list of successes, including the creation of a thriving meadow, a community garden, and numerous trails throughout the wooded park. Now the Conservancy has helped to bring another addition to the park: three cedar benches that offer views of the creek and meadow.
Built by Eagle Scout Robert Weimar, the benches are located at three key points throughout the park. The first sits by the park entrance, allowing for easy viewing of the meadow and community garden. The other benches overlook Peachtree Creek’s south fork at two idyllic spots further within the park. The benches, said Weimar, “provide an inviting atmosphere for this newly restored area as well as practical place to sit.”
Each bench is decorated with South Fork Conservancy’s distinctive chevron, with a color palette intended to reflect the dyes Native Americans made from the clay of Peachtree Creek. South Fork Conservancy hopes that these benches will allow people to sit and enjoy the natural world while also reflecting on the human and natural history that has made the creek what it is today.
Zonolite Park is named after the insulation company that once used the site for manufacturing. Abandoned by the company in 2009, the land was unused until South Fork Conservancy and local property owners contacted the EPA to clean up and preserve the future parkland. Following a $2 million settlement, the polluters paid for the cleanup and Zonolite Park was born. Since the successful restoration of meadow and riverine habitats, South Fork Conservancy has continued to spearhead efforts to support local wildlife and make the park accessible for everyone in the community.
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