Macon-Bibb County will mark the start of the next phase of improvements to Memorial Park Community Center (764 Long Street) with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, February 11, at 10:30 a.m.
 
“Recreation is one thing we can do to support our neighborhoods and youth, and by providing a place where there can be recreation and cultural programs, and meeting and gathering space, we are strengthening our community” says District 8 Commissioner Virgil Watkins.
 
This $2.1 million phase is part of an overall $2.5 million improvement project and is funded by the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. This phase will include an expanded  interior space that will provide greater visibility and easier movement among the different areas. There will be new bathrooms, meeting spaces, workout room, and computer area; renovations to the pool; and a new concession stand will be built at the baseball field. Previously, a new gymnasium floor and bleachers were installed, and heating and air conditioning was added to the gymnasium.
 
“Our recreation centers are central points for our neighborhoods, and they’ve gone too long without significant repairs and upgrades,” says Macon-Bibb Mayor Robert Reichert. “We want Memorial Park Community Center to be a source of pride for this neighborhood and part of our ongoing work to revitalize the area.”
 
The plans for Memorial Park Community Center were developed by WM2A Architects after three public forums where people using the Center were provided the chance to let Macon-Bibb know what was needed. The contractor for this project is Piedmont Construction Group, and it is expected to take take 210 days.
 
“One of the greatest things the people of Macon-Bibb County have done was to approve the SPLOST and begin the work of upgrading our facilities,” says SPLOST Advisory Committee Chair Jeffery Monroe. “With the penny tax, our entire community is seeing the improvements and projects that it deserves and expects.”