Public Fruit Orchard Coming to Mill Hill East Macon Arts Village
Thursday, December 3rd, 2020
Macon-Bibb County’s Parks & Beautification Department – in partnership with the Arbor Conservation Board, the Urban Development Authority, and Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful – is planting a fruit orchard on Hydrolia Street at the end of Taylor Avenue in the Mill Hill East Macon Arts Village. Planting will begin Thursday, December 3, and representatives from the partners will be available for media interviews on site at 2:30 p.m.
“This is a great way to take existing greenspace and create something that will really benefit the people living in this neighborhood, especially as our partners continue their revitalization efforts in the area,” says Parks & Beautification Department Director Mike Glisson.
“This will turn an empty unused space into a vibrant area that will eventually provide fresh food to the neighborhood and assist in growing the overall tree canopy of Macon,” says Alex Morrison, Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb Urban Development Authority. “This is a positive example of what we can do with blighted and empty spaces that has multiple benefits for people across the community at a low cost.”
Providing fresh food and accessible green space has been brought up by the neighborhood at several meetings. Pecans, pears, figs, blueberries, and persimmons will all be planted for the community. Additionally, low maintenance wildflowers will be planted to beautify the area. Though the trees are being planted now, it will be a few years before they produce fruit.
“Community development is a team sport that is centered around people. Macon is a place that loves to support ideas that can actively improve people’s lives, and this is just another example,” adds Morrison. “No one entity or group can do it all and the best ideas come from partnership and collaboration with engaged citizens.”
