New Burr Park Pavilion Dedicated

Monday, June 20th, 2022

On Friday night, the City of Dalton cut the ribbon on the new pavilion building at the Burr Performing Arts Park downtown. The facility has been used already for several events at the park, including the first nights of the Off the Rails summer concert series, but Friday night's event officially opened it for business. 

The building serves several purposes for the park, including a concessions facility and a green room space for performers at the park to get ready for their shows. It also eliminates the need to bring in portable restrooms for events at the park. 

"I don't believe I've ever been to a dedication for a bathroom before," Mayor David Pennington joked Friday evening.

The new building, much like Burr Park itself, came about through a public-private partnership of the City of Dalton and the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia. Other organizations such as Believe Greater Dalton, the Downtown Dalton Development Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Creative Arts Guild among others have also worked with the park since its inception. The park was created when philanthropist Jeanne Burr donated $1 million to the Community Foundation for the creation of the performing arts park downtown. 

"What a wonderful thing they’ve done for Dalton, because it’s a really unique venue when you think about it," said Mayor Pennington. "It’s another example of where Dalton is going, and to watch what's happening in downtown Dalton is really exciting."

City council member Dennis Mock also spoke at Friday's ribbon cutting. Mock served as mayor of Dalton when Burr Park was built. 

"This has been a terrific addition to downtown Dalton and to this community as a whole," Mock said. "I want to thank everyone who participated in this. It takes a village to make a great town and this has been an example of what a public-private partnership can do and do it very well."

The Off the Rails summer concert series will continue all summer with acts every Friday night, rain or shine. This Friday, June 24th, will feature a theatrical performance of the works of Shakespeare. A complete schedule for the series can be found here. Many more events are being planned at Burr Park to utilize the new facility for years to come. 

Below: Mayor Pennington speaks during Friday's dedication ceremony, and scenes from Friday night's concert at Burr Park.