Community celebrates new Macon park, decades in the making

Macon-Bibb County officials say it’s fitting that it took a community effort to bring a west Macon park to life.

Dozens of people, including community leaders and family members of the park’s namesake, celebrated the opening Monday of Filmore Thomas Park off Log Cabin Drive. Thomas became known as the “mayor of Bellevue” as he pushed for the neighborhood to have paved streets, running water and street lights. He also helped organize the Macon bus boycott in 1962.

“He was a community leader. Not only that, he was a family man and a great father,” said Thomas’ son, Harold Thomas.

And just like Thomas’ persistence, the efforts of former city officials, members of the Bellevue Concerned Citizens Group, current city-county leaders and others played a role in developing the park. Plans to build a park on the site of the former Durr’s Lake and a popular skating rink date back decades.

The $1.7 million park park features a splash pad, two basketball courts, a pavilion, a concrete pad, amphitheater, playground and more. The park is also located near the ongoing widening of Log Cabin Drive as new sidewalks and pedestrian bridge are being installed.

Both projects are being paid for with proceeds from the special purpose local option sales tax.

“After nearly $2 million, after 29 meetings with families and the neighborhood watch association, after so many folks fought so hard for this park ... ladies and gentlemen: Welcome to Filmore Thomas Park,” Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Al Tillman said during Monday’s ceremony.

While Monday marked the first day the public could use the park, another larger event is scheduled Saturday when the grand opening will feature food, music, Zumba and more from noon to 3 p.m.

The celebration is a time for family members, residents and others to honor the legacy of Thomas, officials said.

State Rep. Nikki Randall said Thomas’ impact extended beyond petitioning the city for improvements. Her grandfather, William Randall, would discuss how Thomas taught masonry to young people in the community.

The park will allow a new generation to learn about Thomas.

“The children that visit there will continue to know who Thomas was and his impact,” Randall said.

Thomas’ grandson R. Lockett Jr. said the recreation area will be more than a park by offering entertainment and education through seminars and more.

“We are looking at creating events for economic and personal and inspirational growth,” said Lockett, director of the Friends of Filmore Thomas Park group.

Some of the credit for the park also goes to Tillman, who was described as “the closer” by Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Elaine Lucas.

“Your Commissioner Tillman has closed the deal, and we are thankful and grateful,” she said.

This story was originally published November 7, 2016 at 3:08 PM with the headline "Community celebrates new Macon park, decades in the making."