Town of Oakland dedicates VanderLey Park

West Orange Times & Observer
Neighborhood

Family and friends gathered Saturday, Feb. 3, for the formal dedication of VanderLey Park in Oakland. The park, at 117 Gulley Ave., previously had been named, but town commissioners and staff made it official with the unveiling of a plaque bearing the late Jon VanderLey’s image and accomplishments.

VanderLey served as Oakland’s mayor from 1998 to 2004.

Speakers included Mayor Kathy Stark, Commissioner Mike Satterfield, Town Manager Dennis Foltz and several members of VanderLey’s family. State Rep. Bobby Olszewski presented Kay VanderLey with a tribute from his office.

“Jon would have been surprised,” Kay said of Saturday’s ceremony. “He didn’t think anyone was watching what he was doing.”

VanderLey is considered the catalyst for many improvements in the town, including construction of the police and fire stations, restoration of the town center and improvements to Speer Park and the water utility service. He was instrumental in starting Oakland Avenue Charter School, as well.

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Amy Quesinberry Price

Community Editor Amy Quesinberry Price was born at the old West Orange Memorial Hospital and raised in Winter Garden. Aside from earning her journalism degree from the University of Georgia, she hasn’t strayed too far from her hometown and her three-mile bubble. She grew up reading The Winter Garden Times and knew in the eighth grade she wanted to write for her community newspaper. She has been part of the writing and editing team since 1990.