May 5, 2019
By:
Mark Buchanan
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER
Stones. Lots and lots of stones.
Thousands
of stones. That’s what you see when viewing the wall that supports the new all-access playground at Hancock Park.
The City of Dahlonega needed a wall to support the playground and the City’s leadership felt a run-of-the-mill block of concrete just didn’t quite fit the bill. What could be better than a hand-stacked custom stone wall constructed of locally-sourced materials? And who better to construct it than the City’s own third-generation stone mason and Streets, Parks and Cemeteries Supervisor Troy Armstrong?
Stone masonry runs deep in Troy’s veins and has been passed down for generations to Troy’s father, Larry.
“When I asked Dad for his assistance, without hesitation he responded; absolutely! It’s such an honor to have been able to work day in and day out with my dad and learn the skills and attributes of masonry from him. I learned at an early age what the word work meant, and the value of family”, said Troy.
Through the course of construction, nearly every single stone on the wall had to be shaped and placed by hand. This was a pretty big job for one individual, even one as talented as Troy. When it came time to recruit additional talent, Troy didn’t have to go far, as his father Larry has over 45 years (and millions of stones’ worth) of experience and was eager to generously lend a hand in support of Troy, the City, and all the future users of the playground.
“I did it so all the kids could have a place to play”, said Larry.
The City of Dahlonega, its citizens, visitors, all of the children that will enjoy this playground and all of the Hancock Park users that will no doubt sit atop this wall for decades to come owe Mr. Armstrong a huge thank you for his tireless efforts on the job-site, day-in and day-out hand stacking stones in support of Troy and the City.
His expertise, experience and generosity are something the City could never put a price on.
"We’ll be eternally grateful”, said Mayor Sam Norton. “Troy goes above and beyond what is required in all situations.”
If you see either Troy, Larry, or any of the other wall construction team that included City employees, Christopher(Dobber)Taylor, Caleb Frady, Jeremy Tanner and Jackie Grizzle, please take a moment to give them a pat on the back for a job well done.
