LONGPORT - The community is invited to attend the grand opening of Dorothy’s Park, also known as Dorothy McGee Park 1 p.m. Thursday, July 3.
Upon her passing in November 2023, longtime resident Dorothy Sanders McGee donated a parcel of land next to her home for what she envisioned as beautiful park with a gazebo as its centerpiece. The borough and residents collaborated to design and install the park, which includes native plantings along with the gazebo McGee envisioned.
During her lifetime, McGee volunteered for numerous boards and served as secretary of the borough’s Board of Education for more than 20 years. Her charitable spirit continued after her passing when she donated land to the borough for all to enjoy.
“Her charitable spirit and love for Longport will endure for generations to come with the opening of Dorothy’s Park,” Mayor Patrick Armstrong said in a statement. “We hope everyone can join us in commemorating Dottie McGee and her family.”
In April 2025, a groundbreaking was held that included construction of the gazebo by five members of the Pennsylvania Amish community. Alicia McGee, 47, of Galloway Township, one of Dorothy McGee’s two children, attended the groundbreaking ceremony held in April. Seeing the gazebo being built where her house once stood was a “bittersweet” experience, she said.
Construction of the park cost about $200,000 with some funds coming from a recreation grant.
With landscaping and fencing now complete, the park is ready to be opened for the public to enjoy.
The park is located on 22nd Avenue. Just follow the yellow brick sidewalk.
