AIKEN --- A park at Beaufort Street and Sundy Avenue has been renamed in honor of two men who dedicated their time and energy to improving life for the residents of Aiken.

On Monday, Aiken City Council voted unanimously to change the informal name of Highway 118 Park to Hammond/Williams Park, in honor of Thomas A. Hammond and James Williams.

The facility was called Highway 118 Park because Beaufort Street was South Carolina Highway 118 before the bypass was moved to its present location.

The renaming came at the request of Aiken Visionaries. Clarence Jackson, a member of the organization, told the city council that Mr. Hammond and Mr. Williams were among the community's unsung heroes.

Councilwoman Beverly Clyburn spoke in favor of renaming the park.

"I think it's a good way to honor people who work unselfishly and give of themselves and ask for nothing in return," she said.

Mr. Hammond, who died in January 2007 at the age of 95, was on the city's park commission for about 50 years, and he was instrumental in helping to establish several area youth organizations.

Mr. Williams, who died in August 2006 at the age of 81, was a longtime resident of Aiken who lived near the park.

According to his family, he was considered a mentor to area youths.

"We would like to thank you for renaming this park after our father," Gale Williams Jackson told the council.

Reach Michelle Guffey at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or michelle.guffey@augustachronicle.com.