Filmore Thomas, Log Cabin improvements a welcome sight in west Macon

Jimmy Crafter remembers the recreational opportunities he had while growing up in Macon's Bellevue neighborhood.

One popular spot was Durr's Lake and the skating rink off Log Cabin Drive. But ever since the skating park was torn down years ago, the site became mostly dormant, and children had to venture outside the neighborhood for recreation.

Crafter, 46, says he's glad to see progress made as construction crews continue site work at the future Filmore Thomas Recreation Area, the same land that once was home to the skating rink.

The park, named after a Bellevue community activist, had been discussed for about 30 years.

"It's coming along. I'm glad they're putting something over there for the kids," Crafter said. "It's going to be nice."

Construction on the $1.7 million project began in early January, and it's expected to be take about eight months to finish, county officials said.

The Filmore project is being paid for with proceeds from the special purpose local option sales tax. Once completed, it will feature walking trails, pavilions, two basketball courts, a splash pad, parking, benches and more.

Crews are now finishing up site prep work. Next up, utilities will be installed, Macon-Bibb County spokesman Chris Floore said.

While construction continues at Filmore Thomas, about a half-mile down Log Cabin Drive, another group of workers has started on a $1.6 million project to improve the street.

Among the improvements will be the widening of Log Cabin, adding a new pedestrian bridge and sidewalks, and repairing the Rocky Creek bridge. There will also be new curbs and gutters.

The first phase of work should be completed about mid-August.

"The contractor has removed some trees and performed grading and installed some sidewalk," Floore said. "The subcontractor for the pedestrian bridge has been given the OK to manufacture the bridge."

Commissioner Al Tillman said Log Cabin and Filmore Thomas were important efforts to get started during his first two years in office.

Among the issues that took a while to work through were getting approval from the Army Corps of Engineers.

"There were so may setbacks that people weren't aware of for these two years," said Tillman, whose term as commissioner started in 2014.

In some instances, there were questions from county employees about when they could proceed with the next steps.

"I owe a lot to (County Manager) Dale Walker because he said 'get it done,''' Tillman said.

Next, Tillman wants to see an indoor facility built at Filmore Thomas, which was included in plans before consolidation in 2014. He said he'd like see an additional $2 million-$3 million put toward Filmore in the next SPLOST that county officials expect to be on the Nov. 8 election ballot.

"I've got to still stay on it. Although the work is being done on Filmore, we still want a recreation center because that's what (plans) called for," Tillman said.

Bellevue resident Richard Garey said he welcomes the road improvements that are underway. He said he hasn't been inconvenienced when driving through the area.

But Garey had one suggestion for the busy street, which some people use to get to Macon Mall and stores on Presidential Parkway.

"There's a lot of people that drive too fast," said Garey, who has lived on Log Cabin for about two decades. "I'd like to see them lower the speed limit."

The recreation area will be a welcome sight once finished, he said.

"They had to do something so the kids have somewhere to go," Garey said.

To contact writer Stanley Dunlap, call 744-4623 or find him on Twitter @stan_telegraph.

This story was originally published April 3, 2016 at 9:40 PM with the headline "Filmore Thomas, Log Cabin improvements a welcome sight in west Macon ."