The Whirl: Vallie Henderson Park Rededication

On Nov. 23, Vallie Henderson Park was rededicated with remarks from Mayor Janet Cowell as well as representatives from the City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation department, Oakwood Garden Club and the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood. The refurbished park’s ribbon cutting included a parade from the Oakwood Second Line Band and the Awesomettes. 

Stephen Bentley, Ethan Barger, Janet Cowell, Paige Presler-Jur
Oakwood Second Line Band
New pavillion in the park
Standing: Karen Still, Suzie Spencer, Chris Crew, Rex Michael, Ray Stephens, Jackie Twisdale, Darrow Johnson. Seated: Jean Johnson, Peter Twisdale, Wendy Twisdale, Dee Penven-Crew, Carol DeVita, Nancy McIlwee, Lee Ann Walsh.

This article originally appeared in the February 2026 issue of WALTER magazine.

The Whirl