FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2026
City of Atlanta Celebrates Stone Hogan Park Ribbon Cutting with Mayor Andre Dickens, Inspiring Local Youth Leaders
Atlanta, GA — On April 30, 2026, the City of Atlanta marked a major milestone in community revitalization with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Stone Hogan Park, led by Andre Dickens. The event brought together city leaders, community partners, and residents to celebrate the park’s transformation into a safer, more vibrant space for families and youth.
Among those in attendance were participants from the Turner Foundation for Community Advocacy’s Youth Community Advocacy & Mentorship (YCAM) Program, who played an active role in advocating for improvements to the park throughout the program year. For these students, the ceremony was more than a celebration—it was a powerful, real-world example of civic engagement in action.
“The presence of Mayor Dickens meant everything to our students,” said Dominic Turner, Founder and Executive Director of the Turner Foundation for Community Advocacy. “To see the Mayor show up, support their efforts, and stand in the very space they worked to improve reinforced that their voices matter and that real change is possible when they step up as leaders.”
YCAM participants were thrilled to meet Mayor Dickens and witness firsthand how collaboration between city government, community organizations, and local youth can drive meaningful impact. The experience provided a tangible connection between their advocacy work—focused on park safety, cleanliness, and community pride—and the outcomes being realized across the city.
Throughout the mentorship program, students developed and presented solutions aimed at improving neighborhood conditions, including initiatives aligned with the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation. The revitalization of Stone Hogan Park serves as a direct reflection of the type of transformation these young leaders are working to create in their own communities.
“This was a full-circle moment for our students,” Turner added. “They’ve spent months researching, organizing, and advocating for better community spaces. To stand at the ribbon cutting and see that vision come to life—alongside the Mayor of Atlanta—was both validating and deeply inspiring.”
The Stone Hogan Park improvements represent the City’s continued commitment to investing in community infrastructure while uplifting youth voices as a key part of the solution. For the YCAM students, the event reinforced the importance of leadership, partnership, and persistence in driving community change.
About the Turner Foundation for Community Advocacy
The Turner Foundation for Community Advocacy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through leadership development, mentorship, and community engagement. Its YCAM Mentorship Program equips high school students with the tools, resources, and real-world experiences needed to become effective advocates and leaders in their communities.
Media Contact:
Sunshine Hodges
CDMO
Turner Foundation for Community Advocacy
Marketing@joincommunityadvocacy.org
