John Howell Memorial Park

John C Howell Park is a 2.8-acre neighborhood park located in the Virginia-Highland area of Atlanta, Georgia. The park spans several blocks along Virginia Avenue and Barnett Street, about 2.5 miles northeast of Atlanta's central business district.

The park was established in 1988 on the site of 11 houses that were demolished in the mid-1960s when there were plans to build Interstate 485 through the area. Thanks to community activism led by John Howell and others, the freeway project was ultimately defeated, preserving the Virginia-Highland neighborhood. In 1989, the park was named after John Howell, a grassroots civic activist known for his support of human rights, civil liberties, neighborhood preservation, and the arts.

John C Howell Park features a mix of recreational amenities and green spaces. The western portion contains sand volleyball courts, which were installed in 1982 and are considered the oldest in Atlanta. Moving eastward, visitors will find the Cunard Memorial playground, dedicated in 2004 to honor neighborhood residents who tragically lost their lives. The park also includes an open grassy area and a circular pathway paved with commemorative bricks.

As a nod to its history, eleven granite columns line Virginia Avenue, each bearing the address of one of the homes that were demolished for the planned freeway. The park also features a wrought iron sculpture of a stylized phoenix, symbolizing Atlanta's resilience. In March 2000, a plaque describing the history of the park was added near this sculpture.

The park serves as a popular gathering spot for the Virginia-Highland community. It hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest. The Virginia-Highland Civic Association continues to oversee improvements and maintenance of the park, with recent efforts focused on removing invasive plants, addressing soil erosion, and planning for future renovations.