Summer 2012 Kennesaw Celebrates Milestone Birthday The City of Kennesaw will achieve Mayor Mark Mathews. “Their foresight and commitment a significant milestone this year as it saw Kennesaw develop from its humble beginnings into a celebrates its 125th anniversary. Ken- thriving, progressive community.” nesaw officially received its charter A competition among local high school students to on September 21, 1887 when a peti- design a 125th anniversary logo was held earlier this year. tion was presented to the legislature The design submitted by Rachel Fred, a rising senior at for incorporation. A commemorative Kennesaw Mountain High School, was chosen from over program will take place during the a dozen submissions. Her logo will be featured in all the Taste of Kennesaw event on Saturday, September 8. promotional pieces produced by the city to honor the In 1887, the corporate limits of the town extended only anniversary, including one half mile, north, south, east and west from the Depot t-shirts, lapel pins and of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. The railroad was the limited edition collector’s chief source of employment, the mayor and council served coins. The coins can be without pay, and the only city income was from a street purchased at City Hall, tax of fifty cents for every head of household. the Southern Museum, “Our founding families recognized that our location in and the Smith-Gilbert the heart of Cobb County had tremendous potential,” said Gardens. ______Restored Civil War Flag Finds New Home A rare Cvil War regimen- ried by its unit throughout the entire tal flag, complete with bullet Atlanta campaign, including the Battle holes and blood stains, will be of Franklin (Tennessee) on November placed on permanent display at 30, 1864, an engagement in which one Kennesaw’s Southern Museum quarter of the 27,000 man army was of Civil War and Locomotive killed or wounded in three hours. It History this July, according to avoided being surrendered at the end of museum curator Melinda Senn. the war because Private Davis rolled it The flag, donated by Don up and tucked it into his boot to save it Davis, Rhonda Davis Nesmith from capture or destruction. and Pete Davis, has been in After undergoing a thorough conser- the Davis family for 145 years vation process at Textile Preservation after being brought home by Private John Davis of the in West Virginia, the flag is set to be unveiled on July 23. 65th Georgia Infantry Regiment, who served as the unit For more information about the Smithsonian-affiliated color bearer. Private Davis is the great-great grandfather Southern Museum or to make a donation to the flag resto- of the current generation of Davis’. The flag was car- ration, visit www.southernmuseum.org.

Kennesaw Mayor & Council Mark Mathews Cris Welsh Tim Killingsworth Bruce Jenkins Bill Thrash Jeff Duckett Mayor Council Post 1 Council Post 2 Council Post 3 Council Post 4 Council Post 5 404-392-8554 678-266-0885 678-873-7146 678-251-6381 404-392-3105 678-480-1340 Inside Kennesaw - Summer 2012 Message from City News and Views Mayor Mathews Help Make Swift-Cantrell America’s Favorite Park This year is very If Swift-Cantrell Park is one of your favorite places special for our city. We to meet friends, exercise, picnic, or play, you have commemorated the the opportunity to show your support by voting in the 150th anniversary of the third annual “America is Your Park” campaign spon- Great Locomotive Chase in April, and sored by Coca-Cola. Your vote can help Swift-Cantrell we will be celebrating Kennesaw’s 125th birthday in September. We hope you’ll Park earn bragging rights as America’s Favorite Park join city officials and staff at a special and capture a big cash prize! Winnings will be used to presentation on September 8 during the purchase and install trail outdoor fitness stations. Taste of Kennesaw. Visit our website, Vote online at livepositively.com/parks to earn one kennesaw-ga.gov, for more details as point per vote for the park. Even better, “check in” at Swift-Cantrell Park using they become available. the foursquare location-based mobile app on your smartphone and earn 100 points In the election on July 31, you will be for each vote. There’s no limit to the number of votes one person can cast, so vote given a chance to vote on a matter critical often! Voting ends July 15. Visit www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec for complete details. to the future growth of the Atlanta metro. Please take some time to study the issues Review Your Property Tax Assessment involved in the transportation sales tax The law requires the Tax Assessors Office to mail annual referendum. Visit atlantaregionalround- assessment notices to all Cobb property owners prior to July 1. table.com for information about regional This notice will include an estimate of taxes based on the prior and local projects that would be funded year’s net millage rates and the current year fair market value. by the tax. Then be sure to exercise your right to vote on July 31. The estimate will reflect both county and city exemptions. I’m pleased to report that the plans If you’re a property owner age 65 or older, you may be for building a competitive street skate eligible for a Senior Exemption from the City of Kennesaw. park in Swift-Cantrell Park have now Applications are accepted year round. In addition, Cobb County offers the State been finalized. The skate park will be a Age 65 $4,000 Exemption. Visit www.cobbtax.org to review the requirements. You state-of-the-art facility that is expected can always find complete tax information at www.kennesaw-ga.gov. to draw skateboarders from across the Food Trucks Serve Dinner at the Depot region. Spectators will be able to view the activities in a family-friendly setting for Look for 5-8 food trucks every Monday free. The estimated project cost is $1.2 (except holidays) from 5-8 pm at Depot Park, million; $750,000 was approved by vot- where Dinner at the Depot has been generat- ers as part of the 2011 SPLOST and the ing some buzz among residents. The vendors remainder will come from corporate or set up in the park on a paved parking area. private donations or grants. Construction Tables, chairs, and trash cans are set out so will start once fund raising is complete. patrons have a place to gather and dine with See you around town, friends. The variety of food options varies each week, but regulars include Cajun, BBQ, sandwiches and desserts. The only caveat is the weather; a forecast of rain or thunderstorms may discourage vendors from attending. Check the city website or call 770-424-8274 for notice of cancellation if the weather looks iffy. Skatepark Design Plans Unveiled

Plans for the 40,000 square foot skate park in Swift-Cantrell Park are now on display at the park as well as being available for viewing online on the city website and Facebook page. The facility will be The Kennesaw Farmers the first ever permanent skate park to feature elements modeled on Market, offering a variety of a competitive street skate park plaza design. The all-concrete skate locally grown produce and park will be one of the largest in the southeast, capable of hosting fresh baked goods, is held large and small size competitive skateboarding events. The unique every Tuesday, 7 am - 1 pm, design will provide elements for skateboarders of all skill levels. rain or shine, in the Adams The project also includes additional parking. Construction will begin Park parking lot adjacent to when fund raising has been accomplished. Estimated construction the Community Center. time is six months. Fun Things to Do Development Highlights

Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival

The annual Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival at Adams Park and the Community Center will be held Friday/ Saturday, August 24-25. The Festival, one of the premier barbecue events in North Georgia, fea- tures the Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned Professional Contest, recognized as a Georgia State Championship Barbeque Cookoff. It includes a non- Purpose Built Student Housing sanctioned Backyard BBQ, Anything Butt and Peach Projects: U Club at Frey, on the Dessert Contest. There are also food booths, a family corner of Frey and Shiloh Rds, is on entertainment stage, a Kid Zone with inflatables and interactive games, and vendor schedule to be completed and occupied and sponsor booths with unique products and services. Free live entertainment will for the fall 2012 semester. The project include The Jagged Stones, a Rolling Stones tribute band on Friday night and Fron- includes 450 beds and is 100% leased tiers, a Journey tribute group on Saturday evening followed by a fireworks display. with a waiting list. A second phase has Visit www.pigsandpeaches.com for details. been approved and has a planned com- pletion of August 2014. The Sanctuary Grand Prix 5K Series at Kennesaw, a mixed use development on Cherokee at McCollum including The Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K series continues. On August 4, 850 beds and 25,000 sq ft of retail the Run for Wounded Warriors will benefit the Wounded Warrior space, has started construction. Target project; on September 8, the The Great Locomotive Chase ben- date for completion is August 2013. efits the Southern Museum. Each race starts at 7:30 am and is run inside the Kennesaw city limits on a flat course. The Garden Residential Projects: Construction on Gallop on October 6 and the Elf Trot on December 1 complete single family homes continues in five the six race series. Visit www.KennesawGrandPrix.com. subdivisions: Whispering Lakes, Moun- A Taste of Kennesaw tain Oak, McEver Woods, Landings of Kennesaw, and White Oak. Units are Sample fare from dozens of area restaurants on Satur- being built a few at a time to let the day, September 8 at A Taste of Kennesaw, held on Main Street and at the Depot downtown from 11 am - 8 pm. market absorb them before building Admission is free at this annual event co-sponsored more. All five are expected to be fully by the City of Kennesaw and the Kennesaw Business built out by the summer of 2014. Association. Over 35 area restaurants participate; food samples will range from $1 - $4. The festivities also include continuous live entertainment on two stages throughout the day, a commemoration program honor- ing the city’s 125th anniversary, and a 6 pm concert featuring Banks and Shane. A wide variety of children’s activities will be available, including inflatable slides and bounces and a trackless train.

Paws in the Park

Dogs and owners will be the stars in Swift-Cantrell Park on Retail Projects: Brothers Pizza, on Saturday, September 15. Paws in the Park is a free interac- the corner of Main and Summer Streets tive event from 9 am - noon, rain or shine, hosted by Keep is on track to be open by July. Con- Kennesaw Beautiful. The event is designed to promote struction of a new CVS at the intersec- good behavior by owners walking their dogs in public areas tion of Cobb Parkway and Jiles Road and to provide educational materials about responsible pet will start this summer. The project in- ownership. There will be canine demonstrations as well as cludes demolition of the existing CVS exhibits by local businesses focused on pet feeding, care and and BP service station and replacement obedience, and pet adoption. Free samples of pet foods and with a larger (15,000 sq ft) CVS. products as well as discounts for services will be offered. Inside Kennesaw - Spring 2012

PRSRT STD CITY OF KENNESAW U.S. Postage Paid 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave. KENNESAW, GA PERMIT 1 Kennesaw, GA 30144

Events/City Services Calendar For more detailed information on events, visit www.kennesaw-ga.gov Key Contacts Southern Museum Community Events Building Services: Mark Rice The Southern Museum of Civil War & Loco- motive History, home of the famous “General,” Jul 3 (Tue) - Salute to America Concert offers an array of programs and activities. A and Fireworks, 6 pm (fireworks at 9:30 pm), 770-429-4554 City Clerk: Debra Taylor Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the museum Depot Park (www.kennesawjuly3.com) [email protected] features collections of rare Civil War items Jul 14 (Sat) - Fit City Field Day, Swift- and weapons, an exhibit and short movie about Cantrell Park, 10 am - 2 pm 770-424-8274 The Great Locomotive Chase, Georgia’s Merci City Manager: Steve Kennedy Boxcar and a full-scale replica of the Glover Jul 27 (Fri) - Sports Spectacular, Adams [email protected] locomotive factory. The Jolley Education Center Park & Community Center, 6-9 pm features hands-on interactive exhibits. Regular 770-429-4544 Aug 4 (Sat) - Run for Wounded Warriors Economic Development: Bob Fox programs include interpretive tours and the [email protected] weekly Mommy & Me Series for young chil- 5K Race, downtown, 7:30 am dren (Thursdays, 10 am; during Jul-Aug, offered Aug 11 (Sat) - Program Palooza, Commu- at 11:30 am as well). Discounted group tours, 770-794-7075 nity Center, 11 am - 1 pm Finance: Gina Auld traveling exhibits, and special seasonal events [email protected] are also available. The museum is open Monday Aug 24-25 (Fri/Sat) - Pigs & Peaches BBQ through Saturday, 9:30 am - 5 pm and Sunday Festival, Adams Park/Community Center, Fri 770-424-8274 from 11 am - 6 pm. 6-11 pm; Sat 10 am - 10 pm Parks & Recreation: Doug Taylor [email protected] For a schedule of events and programs at Sep 8 (Sat) - Great Locomotive Chase 5K, the Southern Museum, please call 770-427- downtown, 7:30 am; Taste of Kennesaw, 2117 or visit www.southernmuseum.org. 770-422-9714 downtown, 11 am - 8 pm Planning & Zoning: Darryl Simmons [email protected] Smith-Gilbert Gardens Sep 15 (Sat) - Paws in the Park, Swift- Located on Pine Mountain Road on 16 acres, Cantrell Park, 9 am - 12 pm 770-590-8268 Smith-Gilbert Gardens is an oasis of art, history Police Department and flora, offering tours, programs, and a memo- Sep 15 (Sat) - Outdoor Movie Series, title [email protected] rable location for special events. The Gardens TBA, Swift-Cantrell Park, 6 pm are open Monday through Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm Property Tax: Christy Huiel Sep 29 (Sat) - Worldwide Day of Play, 770-429-4535 and Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm. Adult admission is Swift-Cantrell Park, 9 am - 12 pm $7. Guests will enjoy viewing the Gardens with an informative self-guided tour map; guided 770-424-8274 Ext 3015 City Services Schedule Changes Public Works Earnie Via tours for a minimum of 5 people are available [email protected] with two weeks advance notice. Please check Independence Day (Jul 4): City Hall closed. the website for adult and children’s programs. No trash, recycle or lawn debris pickup - check : The Gift Shop features prints, pottery and jew- kennesaw-ga.gov for revised pickup schedule; 770-421-8582 recycle picked up Tue, Jul 3. elry by local artists as well as an assortment of [email protected] publication of the City of Kennesaw; pub- other gift items including honey from our hives. Labor Day (Sep 5): City Hall closed. No trash, lished quarterly & mailed to sanitation customers. For more information or to schedule an recycle or lawn debris pickup; recycle picked up Editor: Pamela Davis Tue, Sep 4. event or meeting, please call 770-919-0248 or 770-424-8274 visit www.smithgilbertgardens.com. Call 770-421-8582 for more information. [email protected]