In 1976, local business owners Harold & Winnie Watts purchased and established their real estate business, Watts Real Estate at 352 Maple Avenue. Seeing the natural beauty and historical significance of the area, Harold and Winnie soon purchased and restored several properties on Maple Avenue that included the John Brand Jr. home at 351 Maple Avenue and promoted local business with specialty shops Maple Avenue Antiques and The Side Porch. With their love for community, local business and history, Harold and Winnie embarked on a revitalization of Brand Park enlisting the help of their neighbors Mark and Julie Delgrosso (The Christmas House), Dan Hurley (Bradley Farms), Vicki Rachel (Antique Revival), Cy Haverly, numerous volunteers and home owners to bring the area back to prominence. Harold and Winnie’s tireless efforts would lead to the creation of the Maple Avenue Task Force in the 1990’s. This task force was instrumental, with the help of the city, Community Development and residents, the park bandstand was built. Riverside Elementary School, First Time Home Buyers and the Garden Club created a flower garden in the park and The Christmas House, Maple Avenue Antiques and Antique Revival have lined Maple Avenue with flower barrels to add a touch of beauty. Annual Activities have become a mainstay of Brand Park during the summer months, which include the
- Olde Tyme Summer Festival (est. 1994)
- Concert Series (est. 2002)
- Annual Halloween Celebration
- Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
- Annual Easter Egg Hunt
To ensure the maintenance and continued improvement of the hard work performed by the Maple Avenue Task Force, the Brand Park Beautification Committee was formed with Harold Watts as the Chairman. Since its inception, the Brand Park Beautification Committee has been significant in developing the park to include a brick path and pathway lanterns. Perennial flowers have been planted, and a pavilion has been constructed with handicap accessibility for the elderly. Harold and Winnie Watts have been the driving force in returning Brand Park to the prominent picturesque community park of the past.
