Leadership of outgoing City Administrator Dianna Gracely celebrated at reception
Simpsonville, S.C. — The City of Simpsonville dedicated Gracely Park on Thursday morning with more than 100 elected officials, staff and employees, local business owners, community leaders and members of the public in attendance.
Mayor Paul Shewmaker thanked firms Bolton & Menk, DP3 Architects and Edifice Construction for making the Municipal Complex + Gracely Park project happen from conception to completion: “Your work stands as a legacy to the pride we take in our city,” he said.
Mayor Shewmaker also acknowledged the invaluable efforts by all City departments in assisting with the project, including Parks & Recreation led by Robbie Davis and Public Works led by Andy West.
After having the privilege of working with outgoing City Administrator Dianna Gracely for more than five years, Mayor Shewmaker expressed a special appreciation to Ms. Gracely for her leadership in not only the Municipal Complex and park project but numerous other projects and initiatives through the City over her seven-year tenure. Ms. Gracely is retired on Friday from public service after more than 30 years.
Today also marks a moment of transition,” Mayor Shewmaker said. “(Friday), Dianna Gracely, our long-serving City Administrator, retires. Dianna, your leadership, your steady hand, and your heart for this city have shaped it in countless ways. On behalf of a grateful community, thank you.”
Ms. Gracely received a roar of applause.
Mayor Shewmaker also announced the City of Simpsonville’s Tree City USA designation by the Arbor Day Foundation. For almost a half-century, the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program has recognized communities of all sizes for demonstrating and promoting their commitment to a greener place to call simply home. Councilman Lou Hutchings led the charge in the pursuit of this designation by the City.
“Today it is my privilege and honor to announce that Simpsonville has been designated as a Tree City USA,” Mayor Shewmaker said. “This puts us in pretty rare air. Only about 70 cities in South Carolina share this designation, about 1 in 4. This honor is due in no small part to the work and passion of Councilmember Lou Hutchings, whose leadership on this front has been tireless. Thank you, Lou. Thank for your service to our community and for your giving heart that contributes so much to the heartbeat of our city. We like to say Simpsonville is Simply Home. Well a big part of that is simply Lou.”
Mayor Shewmaker also acknowledged the newly-hired City Administrator Tee Coker, who joined Ms. Gracely on May 19 as a co-administrator and will assume the role of sole city administrator June 30.
“…And as we say goodbye to one chapter, we welcome another,” Mayor Shewmaker said. “Our new city administrator, Tee Coker, steps into this role with a new vision and dedication. Tee, we’re glad you’re here and excited for what lies ahead under your leadership.
Sculptor Michael Shewmaker—Mayor Shoemaker’s brother—spoke about his recently installed sculpture titled “Ki No Te,” which translates from Japanese to “tree of hands.” The Public Works Department installed the sculpture donated by Mr. Shewmaker on Wednesday between Gracely Park’s water feature and East Curtis Street. Mr. Shewmaker said his hope was for at least one child to stand at the foot of the sculpture and be inspired to create.
A park dedication would not be complete without a ribbon-cutting with project firm representatives, City Council members, department heads, Mayor Shewmaker, Ms. Gracely and Mr. Coker.
 Mayor Paul Shewmaker hosted and gave remarks at the Gracely Park dedication on June 26, 2025 | GHOSTBRANDS |  Mayor Paul Shewmaker, Bolton & Menk Landscape Architecture Director Sue Freyler, Councilwoman Shannon Williams, Councilman Lou Hutchings, Councilman Chad O’Rear, Councilwoman Sherry Roche, Parks & Recreation Director Robbie Davis, Judge Kimber Strong, former city administrator Dianna Gracely, DP3 Architects Principal Mike Pry, Edifice Construction Senior Project Manager, Ryan Lefebvre and City Administrator Tee Coker participate in Gracely Park ribbon-cutting on June 26, 2025 | GHOSTBRANDS |  Sculptor and Mayor Paul Shoemaker’s brother Michael Shewmaker delivers remarks at the park dedication about his sculpture “Ki No Te,” which he donated to Gracely Park and can be seen in the background in front of the water feature. “Ki No Te” is Japanese for “tree of hands. | CITY OF SIMPSONVILLE |
Immediately following the ribbon-cutting, the City held a reception in Council Chambers in honor and appreciation of Ms. Gracely’s contributions to the City of Simpsonville. During her tenure, Ms. Gracely oversaw the adoption of a new brand, Municipal Complex and park project, more than $20 million in grants awarded to the City, seven balanced budgets, renovation of Simpsonville Elementary School into the Simpsonville Arts Center, addition of parking spaces in downtown, creation of Hunter’s Alley with community area and restrooms as well as two mural installations on South Main Street, emergence of Burdette Central and approval of plans for downtown improvements and traffic realignment projects.
