Montgomery (Ala.) County’s newest park now bears the name of one Alabama State University’s prestigious alumni, Elton N. Dean, Sr.

The ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new family-friendly facility was held on Monday, November 9. More than 200 people attended the outdoor event, including a large contingency of city, county and state leaders.

The park is a project of the Montgomery County Commission, where Dean has served for the past 20 years, 11 of those years as chairman.

Dean expressed his gratitude that the park was named in his honor but said having the facility is really about the people that he serves in Montgomery County.

“I am exceptionally proud and honored to open this much needed park. I often discuss the importance of enhancing the quality of life for every single one of our citizens, no matter their zip code, and this park will certainly help accomplish that mission,” Dean said in the County Commission’s press release. “The park is a reflection of our beautiful county. It’s a place where loved ones can take a Saturday stroll, churches hold potluck Sunday dinners and families enjoy reunions. I am delighted to see this project on the west side of Montgomery come to fruition and provide another service to our residents.”

Dean is a 1971 graduate of ASU who has served his alma mater in a number of capacities, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees during a period of growth and transformation at the University.

“I have a great love for ASU, and I always try to show that love in tangible ways,” said Dean. “I am committed to giving back in whatever way that I can. I am proud of the partnership that we’ve forged between the University and the Montgomery County Commission.”

ASU President Quinton T. Ross, Jr., was on hand for the event and praised Chairman Dean for his work on behalf of ASU and the residents of Montgomery County.

“Having this park bear his name exemplifies the great work that ASU is doing in producing alumni who graduate and make a difference in their communities,” said Ross. “I want to commend Chairman Dean and the County Commission for their support of ASU and for their vision in providing such a wholesome facility for residents to enjoy.”

The scenic Elton N. Dean, Sr. Park, located at 7251 Old Selma Road in Montgomery, Ala., encompasses 15 acres with amenities that include a five-acre pond, a playground, pavilions and an overlook. Dean said the County Commission purchased more than 170 acres in the area of the park with plans to add other facilities in the future, including a lodge, a walking trail and sports fields.

About Chairman Dean 

Elton N. Dean, Sr., was first elected to the Montgomery County Commission in November 2000 and was re-elected by his constituents in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and again in 2020. He was elected Vice Chairman at the Commission’s organizational meeting in November 2004 and was named Chairman in March 2009. Dean continues to serve as Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission.

Dean is a 1971 graduate of Alabama State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business/Economics. He is the owner of Dean Reality.

Dean is married to Ronda Jackson Dean. He and his late wife Lillie Hardy Dean have three children, Dawneese Bowen, Elton “Deno” Dean, Jr., and Brandon Dean. He is the son of the late Mary Dean Johnson and Dr. William Johnson.