Flowery Branch is joining the national trend to use a bit of public green space, or “pocket parks,” to inspire walkable communities.
Construction is well underway on the Dean Jones Family Park, just off the roundabout at Lights Ferry Road and Mitchell Street, near the South Hall city’s downtown.
Work could be finished in February, city officials said last week.
Rain has hampered efforts of late, but the city has been able to building a winding concrete sidewalk in the park, which also is bordered by Debbie Lane.
The park, approved in November by the Flowery Branch City Council, also will have seating, new landscaping and a stepping stone pathway.


About $95,000 from the city’s parks budget is being spent on the project. Baytree Landscape of Stone Mountain was hired for the project.
The park is being named after the Dean Jones family in Flowery Branch.
Jones was involved in public service. His widow, Mary Jones, ended her service on the City Council in December. Daughter Ann Jones also served on the council.
The Jones family “was very instrumental in working with Gov. (Nathan Deal’s) office in acquiring $600,000 grant for the construction of the roundabout,” City Manager Bill Andrew said at the December meeting.
Former Councilman Fred Richards, who died last year, suggested the park naming.
“It’s a shame Fred couldn’t be here to a part of this,” Andrew said.