By Brandy Wilson (Messenger Editor)
This time of year, we often reflect on the outgoing year in Candler Park and welcome new neighbors and businesses to our vibrant community. We’ll discuss new ways to keep our community thriving and keep traditions alive through our community celebrations. As we start the new year, we invite you to take a look back at some of the moments and memories we made in 2025.
January 2025
In January 2025, Candler Park experienced a rare snowstorm that blanketed the neighborhood, bringing moments of joy alongside real challenges — from power outages to downed trees — neighbors showed up for one another, checking in, and proving that when the snow falls, the community rises. Also, during the month, work was underway at Mulberry Fields to install new stormwater drainage and rain gardens, an investment aimed at reducing flooding and protecting one of the neighborhood’s cherished green spaces. Together, these moments reflected a community responding to immediate challenges while thoughtfully preparing for the future.
Read about the snowstorm here and the Mulberry Fields stormwater project here.
February 2025
In February 2025, Candler Park’s vibrant local flavor was on full display as longtime resident and restaurateur Sean Germain prepared to open the bright yellow Little Five Points Diner. The restaurant was born from his deep personal connection to the area and its independent spirit, illustrating how neighborhood roots and creativity continue to shape local business life.
Read more about it here.
Spring 2025
In the spring of 2025, families from Candler Park and neighboring communities gathered for the annual Easter Egg Hunt, where thousands of brightly colored eggs hidden across the fields brought joy to children and neighbors alike, reinforcing the neighborhood’s tradition of inclusive, outdoor fun. A few weeks later, the local dining scene welcomed Pizza Verdura Sincera, a new plant-based pizzeria in the neighborhood offering artisan pizzas and salads made entirely from unprocessed, natural ingredients.
Read about the Easter Egg Hunt here and the Pizza Verdura Sincera here.
May 2025
In May 2025, the Candler Park Conservancy installed a striking new neighborhood sign at the corner of McLendon Avenue and Candler Park Drive, welcoming visitors and neighbors to the area. This excellent new piece of neighborhood art was designed, fabricated, and installed by Ryan Durrett of Durrett Forge and Fab. Later in the month, neighbors gathered for the Third Annual Miller Avenue Block Party, where bounce houses, good food, and lively conversation turned a once-grey morning into a growing tradition of connection and shared enjoyment.
Read about the new sign here.
June 2025
In June 2025, Candler Park celebrated growth, creativity, and service across the neighborhood. New local favorites, The Little Tart Bakeshop and Big Softie, prepared to open along McLendon Avenue, signaling continued momentum for the area’s small businesses. The Freedom Park Conservancy also announced the winners of its 2025 photography contest, spotlighting stunning images of local parks and public art now on display at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. Meanwhile, Girl Scout Troop 21669 completed two service projects — installing a Little Free Library at the playground and helping paint the new Candler Park sign — a reminder that community pride is being built by the next generation.
Read more about the new businesses here and the Girl Scouts’ service projects here. See the Freedom Park photo contest winners here.
July 2025
In July 2025, the Candler Park Golf Course opened after getting a makeover. New and improved features included new drought- and shade-tolerant grass to ensure a better playing experience. Around the neighborhood, “Save the CDC” signs began popping up in yards like bright blue blooms — a show of support for local CDC employees and an example of neighbors rallying around one another. On the infrastructure front, residents continued their pitch for a new stop sign at the busy Clifton Road and Harriett Avenue intersection, aiming to improve pedestrian and driver safety.
Read about the golf course upgrade here, the CDC signs here, and the pitch for a new stop sign here.
August 2025
In August 2025, The Mulberry Fields Community Garden — a treasured greenspace tucked into the heart of Candler Park — neared the finish line on its long‑term transformation to address erosion, flooding, and stormwater challenges. Thanks to the Wylde Center’s capital campaign, support from CPNO, Friends of Mulberry Fields, and many neighbors, engineered rain gardens are now planted, paths and lawn areas have been prepped, and brand‑new raised beds are ready for gardeners’ plots to be assigned — a true sign that this beloved garden oasis is growing back to life for the next generation of growers and visitors. Read more about it here.
September 2025
In September 2025, Candler Park’s excitement for the fall season kicked into high gear as Boy Scout Pack #586 painted the neighborhood sign at Candler Park Drive and McLendon Avenue in this year’s Fall Fest colors, a fun tradition that builds anticipation for the annual festival.
October 2025
In October 2025, Candler Park came alive with its beloved Fall Fest, celebrating two decades of creativity and connection with local artists, food vendors, live music, family activities, and the neighborhood’s iconic 5K — all while raising funds to support community projects. Just down the road in Little Five Points, the long‑awaited Findley Plaza renovation continued to bring fresh energy to the area, transforming the public space with new trees, benches, bike racks, and open areas designed to make the neighborhood more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming for visitors and residents alike.
November 2025
In November 2025, Candler Park’s sense of place and community heritage took center stage. Mulberry Fields Community Garden and Greenspace — the oasis of goats, chickens, Hobbit houses, and garden plots tucked behind Iverson Street — entered a new chapter as neighbors formed the Mulberry Fields Conservancy and Friends of Mulberry Fields to protect and steward this treasured greenspace into the future. Also, local resident and Georgia Tech grad student, Emma Uppelschoten, shared her semester‑long character analysis of Candler Park. The project featured a blend of interviews, historic research, and personal memories to capture the neighborhood’s unique mix of small‑town feeling, walkability, and connection to Little Five Points.
December 2025 and beyond
In 2025, Candler Park has once again shown why it’s more than just a neighborhood — it’s a thriving, creative, and caring community. From snowy streets in January to the colorful signs of Fall Fest in September and October, neighbors came together to support one another, celebrate local art and business, and nurture beloved green spaces like Mulberry Fields. New shops opened, gardens flourished, and residents of all ages contributed to making the neighborhood safer, more welcoming, and full of life. Looking back, it’s clear that the heart of Candler Park isn’t just in its streets or parks — it’s in the people who live, work, and play here, carrying its spirit forward into the new year.