Community
YMCA Honors Peachtree Corners Resident with New Playground
A local man who devoted his life to his church and his community, and especially to children, will be memorialized with a new playground to be built in his honor at the Fowler Family YMCA.
On Nov. 8, balloons flew over Peachtree Corners as about 100 people celebrated the launch of a fundraising campaign for the Manning Playground.
John Manning, a 30-year Neely Farm resident, died about a year ago in a tragic accident. He was remembered on what would have been his 72nd birthday. Manning gave children’s sermons as a volunteer for more than 30 years at Simpsonwood United Methodist Church.
© Kat Goduco Photo
At a young age, he became a volunteer YMCA counselor. Over his lifetime, he served on countless YMCA boards and committees, including at the Fowler Family YMCA.
Mark Thornell, executive director of the Fowler Family YMCA, said the organization is excited to continue Manning’s legacy. “Through our after-school care program, summer day camps and family memberships, our YMCA sees hundreds of kids each year at our facility,” he said. “With a new educational-based creative playground that has STEM components, we have an opportunity to better serve these children.”
To donate to the playground, visit ymcaofmetroatlanta.givingfuel.com/john-manning. ■