The City of Brookhaven honored real estate professional Dan Woodley on April 25 by naming a park on Dresden Drive after him, located in the middle of a retail complex that he helped build.
Woodley assembled, designed, developed, and built the Dresden Drive Corridor along with other projects in the immediate area, which was used as a marketing tool to promote and facilitate the formation of the city, which incorporated in 2013.
City council members John Funny, Jennifer Owens, and Madeline Simmons, and the city’s mayor, John Park, attended the all-day celebration at the new Woodley Plaza at the Parkside on Dresden, located adjacent to Savi Provisions on Dresden Drive.
A release from the city said Woodley was the catalyst in transforming the area “into a modern-day main street where people could live, dine, work, shop, and play within walking distance.”
“This plaza represents Brookhaven’s commitment to creating spaces that bring the community together,” Council Member Jennifer Owens said in the release. “Woodley Plaza is a wonderful way to honor the impact of Mr. Woodley on such a staple area in Brookhaven.”
At the ceremony, Park said the evolution of the park and its amenities started with the community.
“The community wanted this park,” he said. “The community wanted a standing restaurant. The community wanted extra parking. The community wanted extra green space. Dan had the vision to bring it all together.”
A visibly emotional Woodley said he wanted “connection, not isolation” while conceptualizing the Dresden Drive projects, and admitted that he still “drives by and checks on my baby.”
He said the death of his son, Colby, in a 2018 accident while vacationing with friends, changed his perspective.
“You can be bitter, or you can be grateful, but you can’t be both,” Woodley said. “I chose to be grateful.”
The day continued after the dedication ceremony with games, music, and several performances by Brookhaven Dance students.
