Construction has officially started at Filmore Thomas Park for its newest upgrades. Macon-Bibb County leaders and the Recreation Department celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, March 27. You can watch the full ceremony here. 

“Personally, I can’t wait to be back at this site when it’s completed,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “This could not have happened if it were not for those of you who voted for the SPLOST in 2016.” 

The Park will get a new pavilion, new and renovated restrooms, resurfaced basketball courts, and repaved sidewalks. This $506,000 renovation project is made possible through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). 

“This park is representative of the stewardship and community activism and the dignity one man showed to the Bellevue area,” said District 9 Commissioner Brendalyn Bailey. “This park is named for that deacon, Deacon Filmore Thomas, Sr.” 

In 2016, the first phase of the new Filmore Thomas Park opened to the public. It included a pavilion, playground, splash pad, walking trail, concrete pad for bands, and basketball courts. In 2020, the second phase of the Park – including additional trails, multipurpose field, another pad for bands, and parking access from Hollingsworth Road – opened to the public. 

The current phase is being worked on by Pro Construction with architectural designs by WM2A. Construction is expected to be completed by this summer.