MBCTA Celebrates Completion of Spirit of Macon Park
Monday, December 8th, 2025
A once “dreary and scary” corner in downtown Macon has officially been transformed into a welcoming, colorful green space.
On Tuesday, December 2, the Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority (MBCTA) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Spirit of Macon Park, located at the corner of Fifth Street and Poplar Street, next to the Macon Transit Authority. You can watch the ceremony here.
“I knew this was going to be good, but it’s better than any of my expectations,” said MBCTA CEO Craig Ross.
The park is the result of a multi-year vision that began in 2021, when MTA set a goal to revitalize the area with public art. That effort led to the creation of the Spirit of Macon I and Spirit of Macon II murals, designed by Abraham Abebe, a Georgia College & State University graphic design professor, and funded by Community Foundation of Central Georgia grants with support from MTA.
Once the murals were completed, trees and brush that threatened to damage the artwork were removed, leaving behind an unattractive vacant lot. MBCTA then envisioned a pocket park for relaxation and wellness but needed funding to move forward.
In 2025, that vision became reality when Spirit of Macon Park was selected as one of the 383 projects nationwide to receive an AARP Community Challenge Grant, out of more than 3,400 applications.
“This project will transform a vacant lot adjacent to public transit. It is space that enhances accessibility for older adults and provides wellness programs for the community,” said Wallace White, the Associate State Director for AARP. “This initiative exemplifies the purpose of the community challenge grant, and this is why we do it every year.”
Multiple Macon-Bibb departments and local partners worked together to bring the park to life. Parks & Beautification installed trees, bushes, flowers, benches and a pet waste station. Public Works added new sidewalks and made repairs, while traffic engineers restriped the intersection, created safer turn lanes and added a bike lane. Local businesses also donated equipment, and law enforcement and code enforcement will help monitor the area.
“These groups and people are the heart of this project,” said MBCTA PIO Jami Gaudet. “This was impossible without these amazing people.”
The Jackson Springs Garden Club planted 250 daffodils in the park as part of a global project honoring children lost in the Holocaust and children currently facing humanitarian crises. The club has adopted the park and will continue quarterly beautification efforts.
“This is what happens when our community and partner agencies come together,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “I am so proud of and thankful for the MBCTA for seeing a need and wanting to make a difference.”
MTA officials say they are proud to open Spirit of Macon Park and provide a new, vibrant community space for residents, commuters and visitors to enjoy in the heart of downtown.
