Forest Acres' Quinine Hill Park reopens
Story and photos by John Dixon
Bob McNown, artist On Saturday May 2, 2009, Forest Acres residents joined Representative Joan Brady, Forest Acres City Council, and the Trenholm Artist Guild at the newly refurbished Quinine Hill Park for a grand reopening and a day of Art in the Park.
Musician John English provided morning entertainment by singing folk songs accompanied by guitar and banjo, and Chris Lee of Island Close By provided entertainment for later in the day.
A Taste of Forest Acres, which was sponsored by the Forest Acres Restaurant and Merchants Association, provided samples of food from local restaurants. Proceeds from the food and drink sold went to The Parkinson Foundation of Columbia. The artists exhibited their wares from 9 am to 4 pm, taking a brief break around 11 am to watch the official ribbon cutting.
Representative Joan Brady acted as mistress of ceremonies, and John English performed a stirring rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner." Mayor Brunson proclaimed the park reopened and council members Curtis Rye, Charlie Fetner, and Ginger Dukes cut the ribbon.
Mayor Frank Brunson, Rep. Joan Brady, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Rye, Councilman Charlie Fetner, and Councilman Ginger Dukes cut the ribbon for the reopening of Quinine Hill Park. Participating artists included nationally recognized portrait artist Suzy Shealy, known for her Iraq portraits, and muralist Glenda Keyes. Keyes is special to many students around the Midlands because murals brought magic to the halls of Windsor Elementary and many other schools. The new Quinine Hill Park is truly an oasis of calm in the midst of the bustling city.
 Suzy Shealy  Marti Wallace  John English  Jean Bell  Carey Shealy  Mark Davis with Emma and Lindsey  Laura, Judith, and Ellen McInnis  Peggy Cacalano  Meg McLean  Karen Langley  Rita Morris and Lila Rose |
