Bibb County commissioners approve $280,000 improvements to parks & rec around Macon

MACON, Ga. — New upgrades are on the way to parks and recreation centers across Bibb County. 

Commissioners approved more than $280,000 worth of improvements for Memorial Park, Frank Johnson Recreation Center and Filmore Thomas Park.

The project will be made possible through 2018 SPLOST funds.

Ryelle Dupree says she’s gotten used to the sounds of a squeaky swing on her trips to Memorial Park with her cat, Pancake.

“It’s a little crusty I would say, it could be more up to date,” Dupree said. “The swings, and stuff like that.”

On the other end of Memorial Park’s single row of swings hangs a single broken baby swing.

“If I was in the commission, I would most definitely vote to fix this up for kids,” Dupree said. “At most parks they have another park for the little kids. If that was here, that would be amazing.”

Memorial Park, Frank Johnson Recreation Center and Filmore Thomas Park will each receive new playgrounds. 

Basketball courts will also be renovated at the Memorial Park, plus additional tennis and pickleball courts. WM2A Architects also plan to renovate the softball field into a multi-purpose field with additional parking. 

More parking is also planned for Frank Johnson Recreation Center.

Like Memorial Park, it will receive new basketball and pickleball courts in addition to renovated pool amenities and a new workout room.

The design team is working to solve drainage issues at Filmore Thomas Park but will renovate bathrooms, padding at the splash pads, and add new pavilions.

Dupree is hopeful the approved plans will make Memorial Park safer and more accessible for others.

“The bench over there is broken, there’s no where to sit,” Dupree said. “It be mad hot out here. I wish they had a tent over this and stuff.”

According to the project proposal, construction could cost more than $7 million.