Magnolia’s new Unity Park pavilion will be named and dedicated to Jonny and Patsy Williams, a couple who has served the city for years through the city council and committees.

Council members voted to name the pavilion after the Williams’ at a July 14 meeting.

City Administrator Paul Mendes called 4A Economic Development Corporation President Jonny “the glue that holds it all together,” regarding the time he has spent working on the park in the past four years.

The unanimous motion was met by a standing ovation from the council and audience.

“It’s such a great honor. I’m speechless about it,” said Patsy after the meeting, who abstained from the vote since she is a council member. “Did that really just happen?”

She added that she was “so proud” of her husband Jonny for all the work he has done with the park.

Jonny said he has been involved in city committees since he moved to Magnolia more than 10 years ago, serving on the Planning Commission, 4A EDC, 4B EDC and the Historical Society, while Patsy has been on the city council for nearly 20 years and has also been involved in various city organizations.

The dedication will coincide with a Halloween celebration at the park that council members also voted to support.

Unity Park’s open air pavilion measures 7,500 square feet and is intended to be used for large events such as musical festivals and cook-offs.

“I feel blessed and honored,” said Jonny. “I truly appreciate it. I truly thank the Lord for being able to get it done. I think it’s going to be a blessing to the community, not only for the citizens but the whole area. People are saying how much they enjoy it and what it’s going to do to help the future of Magnolia and that was the intent.”

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