Summer is upon us and – if you can handle the Georgia heat – it’s always a great time here in Tucker. I’ve got to tell you, though, I’m especially excited about what’s happening this summer.
Over and over again, the people of Tucker have said that what they love about Tucker, what they want to nurture and have more of, is community. People know each other and they love that whenever we gather for an event, we run into people we know. It feels good and unlike anyplace else. It feels like home.
So, to help build on our connectedness, our staff sat down last year to discuss and brainstorm possible community events that could be fun additions to our City calendar. They came up with a series we’re calling the “TKR Summer of Fun”. It consists of a Movie on Main Street (June 8), a big fireworks extravaganza (July 3) and our second annual National Night Out celebration (August 7).
While these are going to be top-notch events, the idea did give me some pause. That’s because it’s a lot of work – I know the countless hours our great volunteer groups put in year after year on projects like Tucker Day, the Chili Cook-Off, Christmas on Main, Taste of Tucker and Trunk or Treat. Those are great events because they’re created and executed by volunteer community members. The last thing I wanted to do was overshadow or take away from their invaluable efforts. So be assured, they’re not going anywhere. Groups like the Old Town Tucker Merchants Association, Main Street Tucker Alliance and so many more are going to continue to organize the events they’ve always produced and they’re going to do it with the complete support and gratitude of the City. These new events are just additional opportunities for our community to gather in fellowship and become even closer.
I’m also excited about the new-look swim facilities at Kelley Cofer Park. Since our Parks and Recreation Department assumed responsibility for the park back in April, they’ve worked tirelessly to make needed improvements to the pool. Some of these changes, like upgrades to the pool house and a fresh coat of paint on just about everything in sight, are already being noticed. Brand new fencing and the highly-anticipated new splash pad will be ready very soon, and I look forward to spending time there myself.
Finally, if you’ll allow me a personal moment, there’s another reason I’m so excited about this summer: next month, Gaye and I are going to become grandparents. We could not be more thrilled for this beautiful life coming into our world. While she may have some years before she’s ready for a movie night, a fireworks show or to dive into the pool, I can’t wait to sit and watch the train go by as we share breakfast together at Matthews and to hang out in our beautiful parks. To see Tucker through the eyes of a new generation is a joy we experienced many years ago as parents. We look forward to doing it all over again this summer and sharing it with the people we are so attached to in the places we call home.
