Macon-Bibb County dedicates recreation center in honor of Delores Brooks

Macon-Bibb County renamed a community center after the first Black woman elected to the Macon City Council in 1974.

Delores A. Brooks served on the council for more than two decades before stepping down in 1995. Lat week, the county honored her by dedicated the Delores A. Brooks Recreation Center in east Macon at 3326 Ocmulgee East Boulevard.

“Delores was a very fine public servant, serving more than 20 years after being the first Black woman elected to Macon City Council,” said commissioner Elaine Lucas. “She was a mentor for many of us who at that time were young, newly-elected public officials. The renaming of this center in her honor is a fitting tribute to one who gave so very much to this community, especially the East side.”

The former educator died in February of 2016. The dedication ceremony was held on what would have been Brooks’ 86th birthday: Dec. 10.

The renamed recreation center underwent a $1.3 million renovation that includes a new entrance for the building to mirror the new entrances created at other centers; better handicap accessibility; new restrooms; renovation of the interior to make the space more usable; new concessions stand and bathrooms at the baseball fields; and widening the drive into the facility.

“Our mission is “Building Healthy Communities through People, Parks, and Programs,” said Recreation Director Robert Walker. “We offer positive recreational programs that improve the quality of life for everyone. Since it’s the home base for our Adaptive Recreation Program, this Center absolutely brings that mission to life.”

Walker said the new modifications have increased the number of participants to the center and since reopening enrollment for programs have also increased.

“It’s not about the building: it’s about the vision of an educator and pioneer who gave her all to educate the people here in Macon so they could go on to be better... to make a difference in the community,” said Mayor Lester Miller.

Toward the end of the ceremony a portrait of Brooks was revealed. Friends and family also attended the event and joined together for the ribbon cutting ceremony along with Miller to open the center to the public. Members from Brooks’ sorority Zeta Phi Beta also joined in to celebrate.

“My family and I are very appreciative that such a gesture is being done in honor of my late mother,”said Pamela Montgomery, Brooks’ daughter. “She gave a lot and she expected nothing in return but to better the life of all those she served.”

This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 2:29 PM.