Bibb County officials cut ribbon on renovated Memorial Park funded by voter-approved sales-tax program

Bibb County officials and community members on Friday cut the ribbon on a renovated Memorial Park, part of a series of facilities upgrades paid for through a voter-approved recreation sales-tax program (referred to in remarks as “SPLS”). County leaders said the program has funded dozens of projects countywide and enabled the county to expand youth sports and safety improvements in neighborhoods.

Mr. Theren US, introduced as a member of the SPLS advisory board, said voters had approved more than $900 million in measures over several votes to support community improvements. "They voted three times for over $900 million to improve the quality of life," he said, adding that the program paid for new fire stations, a fire-training center, recreation complexes, police and fire equipment and facility upgrades.

The county’s recreation director, Robert Walker, described specific improvements at Memorial Park, including a renovated softball field, upgraded basketball courts, a refurbished pool house, new tennis and pickleball courts, an inclusive playground, added parking and new sidewalks and lighting. "This whole facility can seem new once you walk in," Walker said, and thanked the project team, naming architect Brandon Fairbanks of WM2A and Turner Construction for their work while programming such as summer camp continued during construction.

Miss Paul, who spoke from the program, highlighted expanded programming at the center that will use the new spaces: youth basketball and football leagues, after-school and summer camps, and STEM activities. She also said sidewalk improvements, additional lighting and traffic-calming measures on Housing Avenue aim to increase safety for residents and children using the park.

Officials repeatedly thanked staff who kept programs running during construction, including assistant recreation director Man Bernett and site lead Mr. Curry. Commissioner Bryant was recognized in remarks as attending the ceremony. After brief remarks, officials, program staff and children performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting and invited attendees to tour the facility and take refreshments provided by the site staff.

County presenters noted Memorial Park’s renovation is one of many projects funded by the sales-tax program; they urged residents to watch for upcoming openings at Filmore Thomas Park and Frank Johnson Recreation Center. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting, photo opportunity and public tours of the renovated spaces.