Representatives from AMC’s wildly popular show “The Walking Dead” joined Senoia city officials Sept. 26 to survey the changes at the newly renovated Seavy Street Park for which AMC contributed.
It is almost beyond dispute these days that millions of people worldwide know that “The Walking Dead” is filmed in Senoia. What may not be so well-known is that the AMC Network nearly a year ago donated $150,000 to help the city renovate the park.
With Phase 1 now complete, kids and parents can enjoy a massively transformed play area adjacent to the Freeman Sasser Building.
For AMC, it was a way to say “thank you” to the city for a growing numbers of years filming the most popular show on cable television.
“We wanted to give back to the community for welcoming us,” said AMC co-head Stefan Reinhardt standing in the play area. “The city has been a great partner and we wanted to say ‘thank you.’”
Speaking for the city, Mayor Larry Owens said the renovation has been a long-time coming, with significant planning and much hard work by many people. He said the donation came after AMC approached the city last year about contributing to a good community project.
Owens thanked AMC for ”getting us over the hump. We couldn’t have done it without their help. It’s a great addition to the city and I hope residents continue enjoying the park.”
Reinhardt was quick to comment on the city’s reception to “The Walking Dead” cast and crew and how that relationship has evolved over the years.
“We’ve been here since 2010 or 2011. The community was welcoming and made us feel like part of the family,” Reinhardt said. “Thank you for being friends, family and fans of the show.”
Also attending the park opening were “The Walking Dead” Executive Producer Tom Luse, Raleigh Studios Atlanta President and Senoia resident Scott Tigchelaar, Councilman Chuck Eichorst, City Manager Richard Ferry, interim City Manager Jason Edens and Senoia Code Enforcement Director Bob Werner.
