An Osceola County park in Kissimmee now honors a longtime community activist.
A Tampa Avenue community park on the north side of town was dedicated as Bishop Gary D. Gray Park at Marydia Neighborhood Park Thursday. Community members gathered with County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb for the official dedication.
The park is a tribute to Gray, whose leadership left a lasting mark on the neighborhood. Officials said he spent more than four decades serving the Marydia community through faith, advocacy, and hands-on outreach. His commitment to community service was deeply influenced in his youth after witnessing a tragic house fire that claimed the lives of four children.
During his more than 20 years of leadership at New Hope Community Church of Marydia, Gray worked in the community to meet practical needs like expanding food distribution efforts, even reaching families beyond Marydia. He supported affordable childcare options for working parents and campaigned for investments in the neighborhood, such as the park that now bears his name.
He was also known around the community, city and county for holiday celebrations and community gatherings that united and brought together neighbors, "To ensure children and families experienced hope and joy," a county release said. " Above all, Bishop Gray valued family. He was a devoted husband to Charlotte Gray and a proud father to Tamika Holley and Consuela Morris. Throughout the community, he was regarded as a steady presence, mentor, and advocate."
"His legacy lives on in the lives that he has touched, the community he strengthened, and the faith he modeled. So therefore, it is fitting that today we are going to dedicate this park to Bishop Gary D. Gray," Commissioner Grieb said.
