HugYourPeople Community Park

Located at 4412 Lee Street, HugYourPeople Community Park is proudly owned by the City of Zachary. Officially dedicated on May 18, 2019, this beautiful, tree-lined memorial park is situated at the entrance of the Zachary Historical Village, at the intersection of Virginia and Lee Street. The park now occupies two parcels of land that were once home to Dr. W.D. Wall/Dr. Burl B. Lane and Marshall Bond.

We invite you to visit and explore the park’s vibrant, train-themed children’s playground—a space designed for fun, reflection, and remembrance. HugYourPeople Community Park was established in memory of Joseph Hemba, Madeline Hemba, and Darin Vince, who tragically lost their lives in a 2018 boating accident; Veronica Waldrop, who passed away from cancer in 2017; and Officer Chris Lawton, Zachary’s first police officer to die in the line of duty in 2018. In 2020, the Zachary Charity League placed a time capsule at the park, filled with letters and photographs documenting experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. This capsule will be opened in 2040.

The playground equipment and amenities were made possible through generous community support and fundraising efforts led by the City of Zachary and the HugYourPeople Committee. We extend our gratitude to The Zachary Charity League, The Rotary Club of Zachary, The Kiwanis Club of Zachary, Farm Bureau Insurance, Armco Electric, and the many community members whose contributions helped bring this vision to life.

In 2024, the park became even more inclusive with the addition of new playground equipment, including a specially designed slide that allows children of all abilities to play independently. Mayor David McDavid expressed deep appreciation for our state legislators, who secured a $100,000 grant from the 2023 State Appropriations to fund this project. Thanks to this funding, a beautiful iron fence was also installed, fully enclosing the park and enhancing safety for all visitors.

We hope HugYourPeople Community Park continues to provide families with safe, high-quality recreational opportunities while honoring the memory of those we have lost. This special space is a lasting tribute to their lives and a cherished part of the Zachary Historic Village.