Henry County commissioners approved the renaming of North Ola Park to Gary Barham Park. The renaming honors the late Commissioner Gary Barham, who served on the county board from 2013 until his untimely passing in 2021.
Members of the Barham family joined the county commission at the August 2023 board meeting. There, the BOC approved the name change. The county will host a formal dedication ceremony at the park at a later date.
Gary Barham Park
Barham was a lifelong advocate for Little League sports — spending time volunteering as a coach and umpire. During his time on the county commission, he was instrumental in advancing improvements at North Ola Park. This included the addition of a 14u ball field. He also laid the vision for the new entrance and sidewalk presently under construction. His legacy of public service and investment in youth sports continues through his sons who carry on the tradition of service.
Before serving in elected office, Barham worked more than thirty years in local government. He retired from the city of McDonough as their public works director. Barham was a fifth-generation Henry County native, and a personal friend. MHF News joins many others in remembering the life and legacy of Commissioner Gary Barham.
Featured image shows Commissioner Barham at a ribbon-cutting at North Ola Park. Henry County photo.
