58 New Shade Trees Planted at Macon Recreation Center to Boost Community Green Space

MACON, Ga. – The Macon-Bibb County Parks and Beautification Department has added 58 new shade trees at Delores A. Brooks Recreation Center, enhancing comfort, greenery, and sustainability for local residents.

The project was funded through a Georgia ReLeaf Grant, administered by the Georgia Tree Council and supported by Urban and Community Forestry funds from the Georgia Forestry Commission and the USDA Forest Service. Macon-Bibb County received up to $14,280 in grant funding, with no local match required.

“These trees will make a real difference for the families and kids who use this recreation center every day,” said Recreation Director Robert Walker. “Adding shade and greenery helps create a more comfortable environment for outdoor activities and programs, and it shows our continued investment in our neighborhoods.”

The newly planted trees include 12 Willow Oak, 8 Bracken’s Brown Magnolia, 10 Trident Maple, 10 Nuttall Oak, and 18 Princeton Elm, located at the entrance of the center, near the baseball field, basketball courts, and throughout the property.

“This project is exactly what our beautification efforts are all about,” said Parks and Beautification Director Michael Glisson. “We are enhancing public spaces in a way that improves quality of life, promotes sustainability, and makes our parks more enjoyable for everyone who uses them.”

Over the past few years, the department has planted roughly half a million dollars’ worth of trees through grants and private donations, continuing its commitment to expanding Macon-Bibb County’s urban forest and improving community spaces.