The City of Roswell is advancing an ambitious vision to connect many of Roswell’s beloved historic assets into a unified experience of community, history, and celebration. Founders Park is a multi-phase initiative to connect a contiguous stretch of green space linking several landmark sites—Bulloch Hall, Mimosa Hall, Holly Hill, Historic Town Square Park, and Barrington Hall—into a continuous, walkable, and event-ready public space.
“Founders Park will deliver a new era of community-focused public space while honoring the City’s architectural and cultural heritage,” said Mayor Kurt Wilson. “As Mayor and Council continue to prioritize thoughtful investment in Roswell’s cultural and civic spaces, the Founders Park vision underscores the City’s commitment to creating places where history and community come together in meaningful, memorable ways.”
Founders Park brings together preservation, accessibility, and community use. Previous projects completed as part of the Founders Park vision have included renovations to Historic Town Square (finished in spring 2024) and upgrades to Mimosa Hall’s first floor, second floor, and driveway (completed in December 2024).
But at the heart of the Founders Park vision is the creation of a new event lawn and support facilities on the grounds of Mimosa Hall, which will serve as the central hub for special events, including concerts, reunions, weddings, and other events.
Mimosa Hall: At the Center of the Transformation
A focal point of this sweeping initiative is the redevelopment of the grounds of Mimosa Hall, where construction is currently underway to create a central hub for Founders Park: a stunning new event lawn and supporting facility. The goal is to provide a flexible, beautiful gathering space for weddings, concerts, reunions, and community events—while carefully preserving the historic charm that defines the site.
Key features include:
- A central event lawn with capacity for up to 250 guests under a tented canopy.
- A new support building with restrooms for event guests and a catering kitchen.
- Redesigned parking and service areas for seamless guest, vendor, and emergency access.
- ADA-accessible walkways and trail connections that improve site navigation and inclusion.
- Enhancements to the front drive, which will include crushed granite sidewalks on either side of the iconic stone walkway, improving walkability while maintaining the historic appearance and footprint.
- Restoration of the early 20th century fieldstone dais and stairs within the new event lawn and historic garden spaces.
- Historic-style lighting and landscaping enhancements, blending tradition and modern utility, and enhancing space utilization and aesthetic.
- The original Neel Reid reflecting pool, adjacent to the event lawn, will be repaired and restored as a true water feature with circulation. Landscaping will enhance this unique feature.
Of significant note is that the project includes the restoration of the iconic stone dais and grand staircases on the property that date back to the 1930s.
“This a careful and deliberate transformation and restoration project,” said Jeff Leatherman, Deputy City Administrator and Senior VP for Community Service and Recreation & Parks. “We’re bringing 2025 into this space while preserving the historic aspects of the property. This project was developed with input from cultural professionals and shared with the State Historic Preservation Office—everything has been done with careful consideration.”
From its landscape layout to its vendor accessibility, every element of the design prioritizes both function and heritage. Walkways and green space have been planned to support flexible event configurations, including potential festival-style layouts, while safeguarding the site’s historic charm.
Mimosa Hall Venue Timeline and Future Event Bookings
The Mimosa Hall event space is scheduled for completion in early summer 2026. The City of Roswell is already accepting reservations for August 2026 and beyond, with early booking incentives available while construction is underway. Contact our venue sales specialist for more information
Project Investment
The Mimosa Hall event space project is expected to cost approximately $5.7 million and is fully funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, which are authorized for use on community infrastructure and improvements.
The current project represents the third major investment in the Founders Park initiative, which as previously mentioned, also includes completed renovations to Historic Town Square (Finished in spring 2024. Cost: $582K covered in FY2023 City Budget) and upgrades to Mimosa Hall’s first floor, second floor, and driveway (Completed in December 2024. Cost: $1.1 mil covered by ARPA funding.).
Why Some Tree Removal Was Necessary
As part of the ongoing improvements at Founders Park, the City of Roswell is carefully balancing historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and accessibility. Understandably, some community members have expressed concern about tree removal on the site, and we want to make sure our community has full information:
- Trees were removed only where necessary—mainly in areas designated for the stormwater basin and parking access.
- Removal took place on a limited 4.18-acre portion of the site, which totals 22.7 acres.
- The removal focused on invasive and non-native plants like bamboo, privet, and ivy, as well as trees identified for removal through formal review.
- All decisions were based on approved construction plans and were reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
- In total, 35 specimen trees were removed. These removals are critical to allow for the installation of the new infrastructure and to support the implementation of a 100% native plant restoration plan.
- Each tree that was removed was carefully evaluated and deemed necessary to complete key components of the project.
- As part of the restoration plan, twelve new native trees will be planted, and the site will feature 100% native plants to improve the long-term ecological health of the area.
- While most of the tree removal on site is focused on invasive species and necessary infrastructure areas, we know that the potential removal of a black walnut tree on the site is especially sensitive.
- The removal of the black walnut tree is being evaluated in relation to the construction of a new ADA-accessible walkway—an important feature designed to ensure that all residents and visitors, regardless of mobility, can fully enjoy this historic and natural space.
- We are actively reviewing all options and considering adjustments to preserve the tree if feasible while still meeting federal accessibility standards.
Roswell has been designated as a “Tree City USA Community” for 30+ years, reflecting our long-standing commitment to urban forestry and environmental care. In addition, the City has established several tree-related ordinances and development regulations, implemented a Tree Planting program, and a “No Net Loss of Trees” policy. Every decision made at Mimosa Hall is part of a larger plan to enhance our green spaces, promote native plantings, and make our historic treasures more inclusive and welcoming for generations to come.
Community Input and Oversight
The design of the Founders Park improvements reflects input from residents, local stakeholders, and boards including:
- A March 2024 design charrette
- Feedback from the Roswell Recreation Commission
- Reviews by the Historic Preservation Commission
- Approval by Roswell’s Mayor and City Council
While there was not a separate public comment period for each project phase, community voices helped shape the overall vision.
Related Waterline Work Coming in Late Summer/Early Fall 2025
Bulloch Avenue will undergo waterline upgrades beginning late this summer or early fall, enhancing fire safety for Mimosa Hall and other historic sites nearby. The project is expected to take three months; however, City officials are coordinating this infrastructure work to minimize disruption ahead of holiday events, including the Christkindlmarket at Bulloch Hall, planned for December 2025.
The work involves two major improvements to increase water flow, making it easier to respond to fire emergencies:
- A larger main is being installed, which means more water flow.
- The current water main dead-ends on Bulloch Ave. The new main will be looping, so it will connect into Marietta Hwy. and Mimosa Drive. This means multiple sources of water can now enter the main, rather than just one.
Project Timeline and What’s Next
- Late Summer/Early Fall 2025: Waterline upgrades begin on Bulloch Avenue to support fire safety near Bulloch Hall and Holly Hill. Work will temporarily impact access to the Bulloch Hall parking lot, but the City will work to mitigate inconvenience. The project is expected to take three months.
- Summer 2025-Spring 2026: Work continues.
- Summer 2026: Mimosa Hall event lawn and facilities scheduled for completion with exciting programs and activities to celebrate reopening announced in future communications.
- Future Phases: Continued development of park connections to Barrington Hall and expanded trail. As of the publication of this story, no funding has yet been identified for future phases.
FAQs
What is Founders Park?
Founders Park is a City-led initiative to connect key historic sites through unified green space, accessible trails, and shared infrastructure. Founders Park is designed to enhance public use while preserving Roswell’s historic charm.
What’s happening at Mimosa Hall?
The Mimosa Hall grounds are being upgraded with a large event lawn, restrooms, a catering kitchen, ADA walkways, and improved access—all while preserving its historic features. Work on a new driveway at Mimosa Hall, as well as renovations to the inside of the facility, were completed in December 2024.
Who approved the project?
The project has been reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission and approved by Mayor and Council. In addition, the State Historic Preservation Office has been made aware of the project to ensure Federal compliance.
Was there community input on the Founders Park/Mimosa Special Events projects?
Yes. Stakeholders provided input during public design sessions and through feedback to City boards and commissions.
What’s the reason for tree removal?
Tree removal was limited to areas required for construction and infrastructure, including invasive species and select trees identified in construction plans.
How many trees were removed?
Thirty-five specimen trees were removed across 4.18 acres (out of 22.7 acres). Many were invasive or diseased and structurally compromised.
Will any new trees be planted?
Yes. Twelve new native trees will be added as part of a native plant landscape restoration plan.
How is the project funded?
The $5.7 million Mimosa Hall improvements are fully funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.
When will Mimosa Hall reopen for events?
The Mimosa Hall event space is scheduled for completion in early summer 2026. The City of Roswell is already accepting reservations for August 2026 and beyond, with early booking incentives available while construction is underway. Contact our venue sales specialist for more information.
Stay Updated
The City of Roswell will continue to share updates on the Founders Park project, including project timelines, facility reopening, special event bookings, and more.
For more information, visit www.RoswellConnections.com/FoundersPark. To inquire about future special event rentals, contact the City’s venue sales specialist at rentals@roswellgov.com.
Project Plans & Visuals
