Drivers who travel on Madison Avenue on the west end of Huntington may have noticed an increase in activity in the large grass lot beside the United Way of the River Cities offices. That’s because a brand-new park has been created as a gift to the community from the UWRC in celebration of its centennial anniversary in 2022.
The park was officially dedicated to Dr. Omayma Touma, a long-time advocate of healthy children and families, during a ceremony on April 14. Touma is a retired pediatrician and former medical director of the Cabell Huntington Health Department. During her remarks, Touma said she was speechless, noting the size and beauty of the park.“This is a great addition to the community,” she said. “I hope people will take advantage of it.”
Dr. Touma’s husband, Dr. Joseph Touma, said before the ceremony, “We wanted to honor Omayma because of her lifelong service to children and families in our community, her strong interest in and advocacy for public health and her commitment to helping those who are homeless or in need.”
The Dr. Omayma Touma Centennial Community Park transformed the grass lot at 800 Madison Avenue into something the entire community could enjoy, while also highlighting the focus areas of United Way of the River Cities, said Carol Bailey, executive director.
A gravel walking trail was installed, as well as benches and 23 new trees, including evergreens and flowering trees. A BornLearning trail was added to the sidewalk side of the park, to engage kids and their parents in ways to use time outdoors as a learning experience. The UWRC’s Community GiveBox, a large free pantry box that multiple generous sponsors keep stocked with food, hygiene and clothing items is also in the park.
“With all these elements in mind it was a natural fit to honor Dr. Omayma Touma in naming this park,” Bailey said at the dedication. “Dr. Touma’s long career in Huntington, as a pediatrician, as the medical Director of the Cabell Huntington Health Department, and as someone who, in partnership with her husband Dr. Joseph Touma, has given so generously to our community – all these reflect the importance she places on individual, family and community health and well-being. We couldn’t be happier today to be dedicating the Dr. Omayma Touma Centennial Community Park, a space intended to be welcoming for all community members.”
The dedication ceremony also featured guest speaker Hank Dial, Huntington City Manager and native of the West End, who said the new park aligns with Mayor Steve Williams’ vision to make the West End more welcoming for families.
Erik Legg, UWRC Board President, also spoke, saying, “The dedication of this park marks the conclusion of the final event of United Way of the River Cities’ Centennial celebration, and leaves behind a living legacy and visual reminder of the good work that has been done during those first one hundred years and the hopes and ambitions for the good work that will be done during the next 100 years.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the park’s benches and new trees. For more information on how to name a bench or tree in honor or memory of someone, please contact Bailey at carol.bailey@unitedwayrivercities.org or 304-523-8929.
