More than 200 members of the community turned out April 24 in Magnolia to the grand opening and dedication of the city’s newest addition – The Magnolia Stroll.

The all-day event, which started at 10 a.m. and ended around 4 p.m., was a chance for the public to see and try out the new walkway, which runs about a half mile along the back of businesses facing FM 1774 in downtown. The path ends at Sullivan Park, which was also recently revamped.

“I thought it was real good,” said City of Magnolia 4A Economic Development Corporation President Jonny Williams. “We had a lot of people, as far as you could look in both directions down the Stroll at one time — just solid people.”

A variety of activities went on during the celebration, including craft vendors, balloon artists, bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo and a crawfish boil with a Zydeco band.

“It was great,” City of Magnolia project and events coordinator Katrina Welch said.

“We had a full crowd in the park and we had lots of people strolling up and down until after four o’clock.”

The Stroll features lamppost lighting, tables and benches and several archways, or arbors.

Sullivan Park, which directly connects to the pathway, recently had new playground equipment installed as well.

“I’m really hoping people will understand the Stroll and what it is there for. We’re looking for small business owners that could really benefit from foot traffic,” Welch said.

Williams was one of the driving forces in creating the Stroll, which he hopes will help bring businesses to the city.

“It’s made a big difference and it will continue to make a big difference. If we can find the space for businesses and get some of the land owners to cooperate, we’ll be able to bring in quite a big group of commerce,” he said.

The Stroll and Sullivan Park are part of the city’s downtown revitalization project, which is funded by 4A sales tax revenues.

Williams said the Stroll’s total cost was about $500,000.

To see more pictures from the Stroll Dedication, visit tribunenews.com.

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