Douglas to celebrate Sims Park Dedication, marking major hurricane recovery milestone

DOUGLAS, Ga. – Community leaders and residents in Douglas will gather Tuesday, March 17, to celebrate a major milestone in the area’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. The City of Douglas, along with The Hope Initiative and Hope for Coffee, will host the Sims Park Dedication and Celebration at 11 a.m.

The ceremony will take place at Sims Park, located at 101 Dream Makers Court just off Alunza Street. Community members are encouraged to attend the event, which marks the completion of nine newly built homes for families impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The new residential development was created to provide safe, stable housing for residents who lost their homes or were displaced by the storm, as well as workforce housing for those who came to the area to assist with recovery efforts. Construction began in July 2025 through a partnership between local organizations, volunteers, donors, and community leaders.

City officials say the project represents a significant step forward for Coffee County as it continues rebuilding after the storm. The development’s main street, Dream Makers Court, also honors the legacy of Lee Sims, whose legacy of service continues to inspire the community.

Mayor Tony Paulk said the project symbolizes more than just new homes. “This project represents far more
than construction,” Paulk said in a statement. “It represents hope restored, stability rebuilt, and a promise kept to our
residents that we would not leave anyone behind.”

Sims Park stands as a reminder of what can be accomplished when a community works together during difficult times. The dedication ceremony will celebrate the families who will soon call the neighborhood home and recognize the many people who helped make the project possible.

For more information about the dedication ceremony, contact Hope for Coffee at 912-388-0404.

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