A Tale of Two Parks: Why Tallapoosa Deserves Better

A Tale of Two Parks

When you look across Haralson County, the difference in how cities treat their public spaces is striking. Take The Hub in Bremen and Helton Howland Park in Tallapoosa. Both are community assets, both have amphitheater potential, and both can bring people together. But how they’re supported—and what that means for their communities—couldn’t be more different.

Bremen’s Hub: A City That Invests in Its People

In downtown Bremen, The Hub has become a centerpiece of civic life. The city made a conscious decision to invest in it and the results are clear:

• Concerts and Music Nights draw hundreds of families to the lawn.

• Farmers Markets and Food Trucks bring local businesses face-to-face with new customers.

• Community Gatherings create energy and pride in the heart of town.

  
  

Bremen doesn’t just maintain The Hub—it actively promotes it. You can find upcoming events on city calendars, chamber websites, and even regional tourism guides. Bremen has turned a small-town space into a regional destination. That’s what happens when leadership sees the value in investing in community.

Tallapoosa’s Helton Howland Park: Neglected Potential

Now look at Helton Howland Park in Tallapoosa. On paper, it has more assets than The Hub:

• An amphitheater for concerts and performances.

• A lake with fishing and walking trails.

• Pavilions and picnic areas for families.

• Historic and military displays honoring those who served.

  
  

By all rights, Helton Howland Park should be the pride of Tallapoosa. But reality tells a different story. Year after year, budget lines for the park are written but left unspent. Promised improvements—like paving, bleacher upgrades, or recreation enhancements—stall or disappear. Maintenance is done at the bare minimum, leaving the park to slowly decline instead of thrive.

Kept Alive by Veterans, Not the City

The truth is, the only reason Helton Howland Park still holds meaning for our community is because of the Haralson County Veterans Association (HCVA).

They have worked tirelessly to preserve the military displays, honor service members, and ensure the park remains a living tribute to sacrifice and service. Their dedication is what keeps the park connected to Tallapoosa’s history and values. But one organization should not have to carry the responsibility of maintaining an entire city park.

What This Tells Us About Leadership

The difference between Bremen and Tallapoosa isn’t about resources—it’s about priorities. Bremen shows that when a city invests in a public space, it sparks business, tourism, and community pride. Tallapoosa, on the other hand, has allowed one of its most important assets to be left behind.

And here’s the thing: it wouldn’t take millions of dollars to make Helton Howland Park shine again. Even modest, consistent support—resurfacing walking paths, fixing bleachers, investing in programming, and promoting events—would transform the park.

A Vision for Tallapoosa

Imagine Helton Howland Park as the beating heart of Tallapoosa:

• A place where concerts and festivals draw families from across the county.

• A space where youth programs and senior activities take place year-round.

• A park that serves as a living memorial to veterans while also driving economic activity.

  
  

That vision is achievable—but only if the city decides that our people and our parks are worth investing in.

Tallapoosa deserves better. Our citizens deserve better. And Helton Howland Park deserves to shine as the community jewel it was always meant to be.

Joe Glass - "The Clear Choice for Responsible Family-Focused Growth"