New Park in South Macon Celebrated for Transformational Impact on Community

A spark of new life has been brought to South Macon with the opening of a new park, celebrated during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, October 31. While some may see it as “just a park,” attendees emphasized its greater significance.

“We need a park because parks are transformational. It’s not only transformational to the architect and landscaper, but to neighborhoods,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “Neighborhoods are what make up our community.”

The property for the park was purchased by the City of Macon in 2005 under Mayor C. Jack Ellis’ administration, with a vision for a park someday. That vision has now come to fruition.

“It’s beautiful,” remarked Mayor Ellis as he walked the new trails, taking in the transformation of the neighborhood.

Located at 606 Cliffview Drive, the park features a pavilion with picnic tables, steps leading to new trails, a fishing pier, and boat docks. The project was funded by voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

“The design of the park centered around the natural beauty that you can all see,” explained Landscape Architect Laurie Fickling. “We really wanted to open it up with trails in the wooded areas and provide access to the pond for fishing. Keeping the design simple enhances what was already here.”

In January 2023, crews removed a blighted house from the site where the new pavilion now overlooks the pond. Cliffview Drive has also been resurfaced and cleaned up, revitalizing the area.

“We knew that we really had a gem in this property,” stated Director of Planning and Public Spaces and Urban Development Authority Executive Director Alex Morrison. “This could be something that turns the tide for a neighborhood that had been crying out for assistance for a long time…The Houston Avenue neighborhood is a place that can be vibrant again.”

Additionally, First Choice Primary Care is opening a healthcare facility and pharmacy nearby, thanks to investments from Macon-Bibb’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds and the Peyton Anderson Foundation, aiming to better serve families in the area. With the same ARP funds and a match from the Peyton Anderson Foundation, Habitat for Humanity has transformed empty lots previously occupied by blighted houses in Lynmore Estates into new homes, supporting families in becoming strong homeowners. The mortgage payments from these homes will create a revolving fund for future construction.

Last year, Macon-Bibb opened the new Frankie E. Lewis Park, which includes a playground, pavilion, trail, and basketball courts, replacing several previously blighted structures. This park was also funded by SPLOST.

“We must be purposeful and intentional about strengthening our neighborhoods, and I’m proud of the work being done here along Houston Avenue to remove the blight and begin building it all back up,” concluded Mayor Miller.