Unity Park Southernside Welcome Center

At a glance

What: Southernside residents say they were left out of Unity Park development and want the neighborhood's history, including Black-owned businesses, reflected in the park; they want the stalled Welcome Center and its cultural plaza moved forward.
Where it stands: Seven speakers addressed Council on August 10, 2026. Mayor White responded that the City will make sure neighborhood voices keep telling the story. No vote.

Dr. Feliccia Smith said there was too little neighborhood involvement in developing Unity Park and that the City has not kept its promises to the community.
Pam Adams, for Neighborhood and Historical Preservation Advocates, said no dedicated professionals were hired to advocate for the community.
Stacey Ashmore asked for recognition of community history and Black-owned businesses in Southernside.
Tinasha Sherer raised the stalled Welcome Center and recited a poem, "Onus of Oneness."
Jackie Jones asked the City to reconvene a Unity Park advisory committee to move the Welcome Center forward.
Yvonne Reeder stressed remembering and sharing Greenville's Black history at the park.
Rev. Stacey Mills reflected on his involvement and the planned cultural plaza, saying lasting monuments would carry the spirit of Unity Park.

Mayor White spoke about the impetus for progressing preservation and presentation of Southernside's history at Unity Park, said development of the Mayberry Park baseball field is an important part of telling that story, and said the City will make sure the neighborhood's voices continue telling it.

Seven public speakers urged neighborhood involvement and progress on the Welcome Center; Mayor White responded. No action.