AUGUSTA, Ga. ()– A cherished community advocate and philanthropist, whose dedication to the Garden City is evident in her many contributions, was recently celebrated.

A large gathering braved the rain on Friday morning to pay tribute to Ann Boardman. Among those present were Congressman Rick Allen, Rep. Mark Newton, as well as various local officials and community leaders.

Sporting hard hats and wielding shovels, attendees participated in a symbolic indoor “groundbreaking” ceremony for the future Ann C. Boardman Park, which is set to be established on the Kroc Center grounds near Broad Street.

In a surprise gesture, Mayor Garnett Johnson issued a proclamation designating December 5th as “Ann Boardman Park Day” in Augusta.

Boardman, a longtime advocate and board member of The Salvation Army of Augusta, expressed her enthusiasm about the new park and the benefits it will bring to the community.

“I hope it’s going to mean a lot to people around this area because they really have no park to go to, nowhere to be with nature.”

Derek Dugan is the Development Director at The Salvation Army of Augusta.

“What they’re going to get out of this park here is is going to be pickleball courts, volleyball courts, a turf soccer field and most excitedly a adaptive use playground for everyone to use, but especially designed for people with disabilities so that they can have a place to play.”

The park named in Boardman’s honor is expected to open in October of 2026.