The Gift That Plays On: How One Woman’s Generosity Created a Dalton Tradition
Today, more than 50,000 people gather each year in Burr Park to enjoy live music, celebrate local causes, and connect with neighbors under the stars—or beneath the fireworks at Pops in Burr Park each July.
Just five years ago, those crowds would have been looking elsewhere. Now, Burr Park is home to a beloved Friday night tradition, civic pride, and shared joy—thanks to one woman’s generosity and vision.
Jeanne Burr’s Dream
When 91-year-old Jeanne Burr visited the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia with her son Jeff, she had one heartfelt goal: to make a real difference and bring Dalton’s diverse community together around music, theater, and dance.”
That spark lit the stage. What began as one woman’s belief that living and giving charitably could transform a community has become one of Dalton’s most treasured traditions.
At the park’s opening concert in 2018, Jeanne Burr stood alongside CFNWGA President David Aft and Dalton native Deanna Mathis, who first envisioned building a performance space in central downtown. Together, they saw the dream come alive.
“I promised we would build a park - and we did! It has exceeded my wildest imagination! ”
Ms. Burr pictured here at the opening concert in 2018 with David Aft, CEO of CFNWGA. Also pictured is local philanthropist, entrepreneur, and Dalton native Deanna Mathis, who originally had the vision for building Burr Park in central downtown Dalton.
Built by Community Spirit
Burr Park rose from a vacant lot in 2017 to a state-of-the-art performance space by 2018, with an expansion in 2022.
The project became reality thanks to a true public-private partnership:
A Lyndhurst Foundation community development grant first sparked the idea.
Support from the City of Dalton and Dalton Utilities helped bring it to life.
The Greater Dalton Chamber, Downtown Dalton Development Authority, and local volunteers added their energy and vision.
Local architects Lowell and Nathan Kirkman designed the space with Dalton’s character in mind.
What was once empty ground is now a cultural and community hub at the heart of downtown Dalton.
From vacant lot to civic hub, Burr Park has transformed quality of life in Dalton, Georgia.
A Legacy That Lives On
Every season, Burr Park is alive with activity. Civic groups present the Off The Rails concert lineup, nonprofits raise funds at festivals, kids sled down the grassy hills on cardboard after shows, and Gratefull transforms the space into one long table of togetherness each November.
Jeanne Burr’s legacy continues to echo through every note, every gathering, and every smile at the park. Her generosity helped create a place where Dalton comes together—proof that charitable giving is the foundation of thriving communities.
“At the Community Foundation, we’re proud to help Northwest Georgians live and give charitably. Burr Park is a shining example of what happens when generosity, vision, and community spirit come together.”
Another beautiful Friday night at Off the Rails in Downtown Dalton, Georgia.
Charitable giving is the foundation of thriving communities.
We’re proud to help Northwest Georgians live and give charitably.