For Release:    July 20, 2012
Contact:         Merriam Parks & Recreation Department - 913.322.5550
                     Christy Playter, Merriam Communications Coordinator - 913.322.5507

Related Site:   www.merriam.org/index.aspx?NID=430

MERRIAM, KANSAS (July 20, 2012) –The City of Merriam has announced the completion of four multi-use practice fields for Waterfall Park, named in honor of former Merriam City Councilmember Julius McFarlin.

A dedication ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 1st at 6:00 PM at the park located at 5191 Merriam Drive. The public is invited to attend.

Julius McFarlin served the City of Merriam as a councilmember for Ward I from 1973-2000. McFarlin was the first African-American elected to public office in Johnson County. He was instrumental in chartering the Johnson County branch of the NAACP, served as a youth baseball coach, and on several boards of directors including Johnson County Mental Health and Johnson County Public Works.

Waterfall Park practice fields are available for sports teams to reserve for practice times by calling Merriam Parks and Recreation Department at 913.322.5550.