Demolition Begins at Former Temple Beth-El Site to Make Way for Memorial Park

Dalton, GA (WDEF)- Demolition is officially underway at the former Temple Beth-El synagogue on Valley Drive in Dalton. The historic site, once a central hub for the city’s Jewish community, is being transformed into a memorial park that will honor that legacy while also serving a practical purpose—stormwater management.

The new design, developed by Arcadis, will feature a central pond, green space, and carefully preserved architectural elements from the original temple. It’s a project city leaders say balances remembrance with sustainability.

“But I think that when the project is completed, we are hoping that it’s going to be a really beautiful place to spend some time,” said Bruce Frazier, Communications Director for the City of Dalton. “It’s going to have an educational aspect where people will be able to learn about the contributions of people of the Jewish faith—contributions that have been really foundational to our community.”

The park is expected to open by next summer.