More than a park: Hope, advocacy, and service

A space known for its peace will soon be a little noisier, but for a good reason. Rosa Parks Square is undergoing renovations, and our community celebrated this milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, September 19.

"It's a great day in Macon-Bibb County. I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again because I get to stand here with you, beside you, to celebrate how we worked together to create something great," said Mayor Lester Miller.

"This is not just about a physical transformation, but a renewed commitment to equality, social justice, and public space for everyone to enjoy," said Friends of Rosa Parks Square Board Chair Andrea Cooke. "We have come a long way."

Rosa Parks Square, the largest greenspace in Downtown Macon, has been a staple in our community for decades. The space was named in honor of "the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" under Mayor C. Jack Ellis' administration, and under Mayor Robert Reichert's administration, the park in front of City Hall was doubled in size.

"We felt it was important to make sure this greenspace was elevated to its highest potential In Macon Action Plan we wanted to make sure this was place that could be a focal point for events, for gatherings, and critically for protests as well, as it is emblazoned with the name of Rosa Parks," said Director of Planning and Public Spaces and Urban Development Authority Executive Director Alex Morrison.

For many years, people in our community have been working to spruce up the park and make it more than just greenspace. In 2019, the Friends of Rosa Parks Square Board was formed to design, maintain, operate, and raise funds for the for the park. During the last five years, the board made great strides advocating for the park.

"This park holds deep meaning for the Macon community. It's a space for reflection, remembrance, and unity, and we knew it was worth all of the many years of advocacy and we're so happy to move forward with these renovations," said Cooke.

Earlier this year, the Commission unanimously approved allocating $2.5 million for the project. Renovations include more seating space, a stage, picnic tables, a memorial wall, and more lighting. The Commission also approved allowing Stafford Builders & Consultants, Inc. to be the contractor on this project.

"We are grateful to be part of this endeavor, to be part of something so monumental," said Walter Stafford with Stafford Builders & Consultants, Inc. "To be here standing here today in Rosa Parks' honor to support something like this in our community, it means a very big deal to me."

Our Public Works and Parks & Beautification crews will begin demolition at the park in the upcoming weeks. Renovations are expected to be completed by Spring 2025.

"Rosa Parks said, 'When one's mind is made up, this diminishes the fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear,'" said Mayor Miller. "And today is proof that your mind was made up, and I can't wait to stand by your side when we officially open this new park to the public."