Macon-Bibb County leaders will celebrate the reopening of Memorial Park Recreation Center (764 Long Street) on Friday, January 6, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Department will also announce and discuss an upcoming event for the community to celebrate the reopening of the Center. On Saturday, January 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., there will be bounce houses, games, program registration, facility tours, face paintings, and food.
 
This $2.1 million phase was part of an overall $2.5 million improvement project and is funded by the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. In addition to the SPLOST funds, the Commission allocated $220,000 in District 6 blight bond funds to expand and improve the parking lot.
 
This phase included an expanded interior space that will provide greater visibility and easier movement among the different areas. There are new bathrooms, meeting spaces, workout room, fitness room and equipment, and computer area; renovations to the pool; and a new concession stand for 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 and programs should meet the needs and desires of the people using them currently, as well as bring in new people,” says Parks and Recreation Director Reggie Moore. “We have a great opportunity here and at all our centers to expand programming and attract more people, all thanks to the SPLOST.”
 
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 was Piedmont Construction Group. A groundbreaking for this project was held in February 2016, and a MaconBibbTV was there to cover the celebration.
 
And there’s more to come for Memorial Park Recreation Center. The next phase – slated to receive funding from the next SPLOST, which was just approved by the voters in November 2016 – includes improvements to outdoor amenities like the playground, basketball court, and baseball and softball field, and possibly adding additional education rooms. The Commission will attend a Strategic Planning Retreat in Athens January 30 and 31 to begin setting priorities for the next SPLOST.