Neighborhood residents joined family, friends and former co-workers of the late Ray Helms under the shade of a sturdy oak tree April 14 to dedicate Westside Community Park in his memory and honor. Helms, who died April 28, 2020, was a founding member of the Westside Neighborhood Association when it was formed in 2001 to promote, maintain and enhance the park. He later served as its chairman.

A man described by many as a true public servant worked tirelessly through the years to ensure the beautiful location on West College Street would be a place where children, family and friends could enjoy time together and make lasting memories. Helms’ volunteer spirit was responsible in large part through the years for keeping the structures painted, grass cut, trees and shrubs trimmed nicely and for creating the walking trail under the canopy of trees on the west side of the park.

Mayor William E. Cooper was on hand to read a proclamation naming the park for Helms, and said the honor was well deserved. Cooper expressed thanks from the city to Helms’ wife Gail, son Bryan of Enterprise and daughter Brandi of South Carolina, for their father’s invaluable contributions of time and effort to help make the park a wonderful setting for wholesome family activity. The mayor said Helms was a man who gave of himself to many causes, including his service in the military during the Vietnam War, and his job with the Enterprise Water Department for more than 30 years.

Enterprise Water Department Field Superintendent Alan Mahan, who worked with Helms before his retirement in 1997, said Helms was a man who held American values close to his heart. “He served God. He served his country, his family and his community,” Mahan said. “Ray loved people and he loved helping others. I was proud to work with him and to call him a friend.”

After the ceremony, gatherers enjoyed hamburgers and refreshments at the park pavilion in a reception hosted by Charlene and Eugene Goolsby. Mrs. Goolsby thanked Enterprise Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent Blake Moore for serving as emcee of the ceremony, Community Services and Recreation Director Billy Powell for his supervision over the park and all city employees who help to keep it a beautiful spot in the neighborhood.