Friends of Camp McDonald Park is a non-profit volunteer organization formed in 2010 and made up of individuals at every level of Cobb County society who share the dream of a park in the heart of downtown Kennesaw.

The park site, 7 ½ acres located across from Kennesaw City Hall and fronting on Watts Drive and Main Street, was purchased by Cobb County with park bond revenue for the purpose of creating a passive park. This location, adjacent to historic natural springs, has a multi-faceted history including being used as a regional meeting point for Indian tribes and later serving as Camp McDonald, a Civil War Confederate Army training camp. Since Camp McDonald consisted primarily of tents and temporary structures there is little trace of its physical existence today, but the voices of those who served there still whisper and move us forward to serve a cause greater than ourselves. Such a cause will be the completed Camp McDonald Park; a place of meetings and celebrations, teachings and reunions, relaxation and moments of ease in the center of downtown Kennesaw. The site also provides greenspace, natural habitats and drainage to the surrounding community.

Friends of Camp McDonald Park is working closely with the Cobb County Parks, Recreation, Cultural Affairs Department to help bring this dream to reality. We can use your help! If you would like to volunteer with Friends of Camp McDonald Park or make a donation we would love to hear from you. Each effort you make brings us closer to realizing the vision of the new Camp McDonald Park.

PROGRESS

• Appealed to elected officials to name Camp McDonald Park.
• Raised funding of $5,950.00 for Camp McDonald Park Master Plan.
• Previewed Camp McDonald Park property during 2011, 2012 and 2013 Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival.
• One of 100 finalists competing for $25,000 in the This Place Matters Community Challenge from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
• Hosted Clean Up of Camp McDonald Park property during October, 2012.
• Logged 568 Volunteer hours to date!