Downtown Kinston park rededicated in honor of Buddy and Mary Mac Ritch

A downtown gathering space was rededicated Wednesday, Oct. 14, in honor of former four-term Mayor Buddy Ritch and his wife, Mary Mac Ritch, recognizing their service to Kinston and celebrating a redesign supported by private donations and volunteer work.

The Buddy and Mary Mac Ritch All-American City Park, at the corner of Queen and Blount streets, features landscaping, seating, lighting, signage and a sensory path created through an Eagle Scout project.

Frances Theodorakis, Downtown Kinston Revitalization’s design committee chair, said the effort to rename the park began several years ago after Buddy Ritch’s death. Committee members unanimously supported honoring him, then expanded the recognition to include his wife.

“Most of you know that she was a vital part of Buddy’s service to our community,” Theodorakis said.

The design committee took on the park project several years ago, relying on volunteers and financial contributions from friends and private citizens.

“As you look at this space, please know that it was made possible from generous donations of friends and private citizens,” Theodorakis said.

Donors’ names are displayed at the park, and permanent signage is being prepared for installation on the low wall at the front of the space.

Theodorakis recognized design committee volunteers and former director Leon Steele for their work. She also thanked Charles Harper and Boy Scout Troop 41 for clearing debris, pressure washing the plaza, creating the sensory path and purchasing a bench.

“So we are especially proud of Charles,” Theodorakis said.

Joanna and Tim Dail of Dailco Inc. created the park’s sculpture and signage. Theodorakis also credited Ivey’s Garden Center, East Coast Power and Lighting and Kinston’s Public Services Department for helping complete the improvements.

Early fundraising letters provided the money needed to begin the project, she said.

“Beautification projects, such as this park, are not inexpensive, and we could never have done it without all their support,” Theodorakis said.

The redesign also recognizes the nation’s 250th birthday, incorporating a patriotic theme into the downtown space.

“It represents our American values, as well as our love for our community,” Theodorakis said.

Lighting installed inside the sculpture and sign gives the park a different appearance after sunset. Theodorakis encouraged residents to return in the evening to see the display.

The ceremony included a prayer from the Rev. Robert Koontz of New Hope Church Ministries. He thanked the Ritches for their service and asked that the park provide a welcoming place for visitors.

“We pray, God, that everyone that enter into this place may find peace and comfort as they sit and they remember our beloved servants,” Koontz said.

Mike Tribula, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, recalled the couple’s involvement with American Legion Post 43. He said Buddy Ritch served with the 82nd Airborne during the Korean War and that Mary Mac Ritch attended Legion meetings with her husband and helped serve food when she was able.

“So they were both very integral with the service veterans of this area,” Tribula said.