Macon’s Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Invites Public to Name New Park Amid Major Renovations
The Historic Pleasant Hill Neighborhood is inviting community input for a new name for the park that stretches from 1st Avenue behind the Booker T. Washington Center to 5th Avenue Northwest. Previously known as Linear Park, it has served the community for several years, thanks to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Community Planner Tonja Khabir emphasizes the importance of renaming the park, stating, “Renaming the park is an important task because it helps increase communal ownership, leading to improved public health and safety in the area. We really want to make the park more family-friendly, safe, and accessible for all.” The deadline for name submissions is November 1, with a selection to be made near the completion of the park’s renovations. Residents can submit suggestions through an online survey.
The park has previously hosted community events, including Festivals in the Hills and vendor fairs, and is set to undergo significant renovations following a neighborhood-led design process. Planned improvements include adding new trees, more seating, and activity areas. This project is part of a state-funded initiative to enhance neighborhood features, aiming to improve physical and mental health outcomes for residents.
The renovation process began with extensive community engagement, with over 125 residents sharing their visions for the park. Five feedback sessions with Interface Studio helped draft a design featuring:
- Improved sidewalk designs
- New shade structures and pavilions
- An upgraded basketball court at the Booker T. Washington Center
- An irrigation system to support trees and plants
- Active play areas and bike activities for children
Following the improvements and renaming, the neighborhood aims to activate the park further, enhancing safety and desirability. The project aligns with the Pleasant Hill Strategic Plan, which engaged more than 400 residents to identify priorities for neighborhood improvement, including better infrastructure and increased commercial opportunities.
The renovation of Linear Park is part of broader initiatives aimed at enhancing collaboration and accountability within the government. These include the Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative to improve traffic and pedestrian safety on Walnut Street, the Smart Growth America Community Connectors program for technical assistance, and the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant, which supports urban design plans for better mobility and economic opportunities.
Khabir concludes, “With a new name chosen by the people, combined with the resources and organizations at the Booker T. Washington Center, and physical improvements to the park itself, we will create a community-centric park that will help us continue reconnecting our historic neighborhood.”
