Officials with Dawson County government gathered Aug. 13 to officially mark the opening of the new and improved Veterans Memorial Park.

Revitalization efforts for the park included the addition of a nearly mile-long exercise trail open to bicyclists and foot traffic, as well as a new playground.

Lisa Henson, director of parks and recreation, described the decades-old park as a “diamond in the rough.

“If you go to any other county and look at their park system and look at their parks, you won’t find a one that’s this old that looks as beautiful as this one does,” Henson said.

Those attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 13 included several county commissioners, government officials and local residents, many active in the nearby senior center.

The senior center is located inside Veterans Memorial Park, which makes the new trail a strategically-placed addition.

The trail takes visitors past five new exercise stations designed specifically for senior citizens.

“The path really ties the park together,” said James Tolbert, facilities director. “Places like this are where people actually meet people. This is where families and communities are built.”

Henson said Dawson County wants to “continue to sustain this park and continue to see it grow and prosper.”

The park is located at 186 Recreation Road off Hwy. 9 North.