Macon Park Renamed for Willis B. Sheftall Sr., Honoring 50 Years of Service to Pleasant Hill

MACON, Ga. – Dozens of residents gathered in Macon’s Pleasant Hill neighborhood Sept. 12 to celebrate the dedication of Willis B. Sheftall, Sr. Legacy Park, honoring a longtime community leader who spent more than five decades serving local families.

The park, formerly known as Linear Park, was renamed in honor of Sheftall, who led the Booker T. Washington Community Center for more than 50 years. During his tenure, the center provided recreational, educational and social opportunities for generations of children and families in Pleasant Hill.

Many attending Saturday’s ceremony had grown up in the neighborhood and knew Sheftall personally. Residents shared stories about his leadership and years of work in the community.

Sheftall’s son, Michael Sheftall, said seeing the neighborhood gather to recognize his father was emotional.

“It feels overwhelming. It’s so great. I’m so proud of my dad,” he said.

Asked what he hoped younger generations would learn about his father when visiting the park, Sheftall pointed to his commitment to others.

“I would hope that they would learn that he gave it his best shot. Tried hard,” he said. “He was just a good person.”

The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved renaming the park in April after a community voting process involving legacy residents. The park is located at 1493 Fourth Ave.

The dedication also highlighted improvements made to the park through a state-funded neighborhood investment initiative.

More than 125 residents participated in five community feedback sessions about the park’s design. The resulting improvements included upgraded walking trails, new shade structures and a pavilion, children’s play and bicycle activity areas, irrigation for trees and landscaping, and improvements to the basketball court at the nearby Booker T. Washington Community Center.

The project grew out of the Pleasant Hill Strategic Plan, a resident-driven effort involving more than 400 residents and community members. The plan identified priorities that included improving neighborhood infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities and preserving Pleasant Hill’s history and culture.

Following the dedication ceremony, residents remained at the park for a community celebration featuring food and music.