Nearly 100 residents gathered last weekend at The Sweet Cocoon to celebrate the grand opening of a new accessible clubhouse built in memory of Cayle Barnes, who was an Armuchee resident, but attended Pepperell School. The day will filled with emotion that left Cayle’s parents Jason and Casey Barnes feeling deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support. The couple said they were overwhelmed to see so many people come together to honor their late son, and grateful that his memory continues to bring the community closer.
The nonprofit retreat, which sits on 20 acres off Ellis Road, is known for offering an inclusive space where children and adults of all abilities can play, relax, and connect. The newest addition, Cayle’s Dawghouse, adds even more opportunities for fun and accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-friendly ramp, sensory play panels, and a steep slide that quickly became a favorite among visiting kids.
“This is such a meaningful day for all of us,” said Amanda Bohannon, founder and executive director of The Sweet Cocoon. “We built this place to honor my daughter, Marlowe, who passed away 13 years ago. Our mission has always been to create moments of joy for families facing challenges — to make play possible for everyone.”
The idea for the two-story clubhouse came from Allison Holcomb, president of The Sweet Cocoon, who proposed the project last year. When planning began, the team decided to dedicate it to Cayle Barnes, a young boy with special needs and a devoted University of Georgia fan who passed away in January.
Fundraising kicked off in May during the organization’s annual Butterfly Ball Masquerade, where the community rallied together through donations and raffles , including UGA memorabilia signed numerous players and coaches.
On October 19, the Barnes family joined supporters for the ribbon cutting. With tears and smiles, Casey Barnes, Cayle’s mother, expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you all for keeping Cayle’s memory alive and for being part of this journey,” she said. “Your kindness means more than words can say.”
Now open to the public, Cayle’s Dawghouse stands as a joyful reminder of community spirit, and a lasting tribute to two beloved children whose lives continue to inspire others.
