Macon-Bibb County Seeks Public Vote on New Name for Linear Park

Macon-Bibb County is moving forward with a major upgrade to Linear Park, located along I-75 in the Historic Pleasant Hill Neighborhood, and is seeking public input to rename the park. The renovation aims to make the park safer, more sustainable, and family-friendly with new shade structures, recreational facilities, and improved irrigation.

Originally created by the Georgia Department of Transportation, the park has been known as Linear Park for several years. As part of its revitalization, community leaders have proposed five new name options to honor notable Pleasant Hill residents. The finalists are:

Cleopatra Love Memorial Park
Willis B. Sheftall Memorial Park
Ozzie Belle McKay Memorial Park
H. Williams Memorial Park
Rodney M. Davis Memorial Park

The public can vote on the new name, and the second and third most popular choices will also be featured within the park.

The park has previously hosted events such as Festivals in the Hills and vendor fairs. Now, it is set for a renovation led by community input, incorporating features like new trees, seating, activity areas, and enhanced sidewalks.

The improvements are funded by the Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionately Impacted Communities initiative, a state-funded effort to enhance parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and access to healthy food.

Since the project’s inception, over 125 residents have participated in community meetings to share their vision for the park. The proposed upgrades include:

Improved sidewalk design
Addition of shade structures and a pavilion
Renovated basketball court at Booker T. Washington Center
Irrigation system to support trees and plants
Active play areas and a bike activity zone for children

The project also aligns with Macon-Bibb County’s broader goal of developing a commercial and job creation strategy for Walnut Street while working with residents and property owners to implement anti-displacement and housing strategies.