The start of Macon-Bibb parks, recreation renovation projects nearing

Upcoming improvements at Macon-Bibb County parks and recreation centers tie into Commissioner Ed DeFore's belief that an idle mind is the devil's workshop.

DeFore, who has served in government for 45 years, is among the commissioners saying they're pleased that work will soon begin to upgrade various recreation facilities.

Within the next few weeks, a groundbreaking at the site of the former Durr's Lake will mark the start of a series of renovation projects in which about $20 million will be spent.

For DeFore, the renovations are a big deal because those places offer young people somewhere to do something productive, such as play organized sports. He said Thursday that he's thankful government leaders have emphasized recreation projects.

"It's been a long, long time coming," DeFore said. "I and other council members fought for this. If it hadn't been for sports and recreation, I don't know if I would have had a chance to work with Boy Scouts (of America), (the Bibb County) school board, (Macon City) council and now commission. It played a big part in my life."

He added, "The main thing we need to do is keep these young kids doing what's right, That's been my desire -- to plant the seed for these people."

The dates for groundbreaking ceremonies at Filmore Thomas Recreation Area, East Macon Recreation Center and Rosa Jackson Recreation Center will be set soon, said Macon-Bibb spokesman Chris Floore.

The Filmore Thomas project, in the Bellevue neighborhood, could have its groundbreaking in the next couple of weeks, said Clay Murphey, who manages special purpose sales tax projects for Macon-Bibb.

Upgrades there will include new walking trails, pavilions, two basketball courts, a splash pad and parking,

Some prepping of the site at the East Macon center began this week with tree removal, said Floore.

The park will get a renovated concession stand, new T-ball field and sidewalk repairs.

Meanwhile, construction could start in early December on the Rosa Jackson Recreation Center that will cost about $3.8 million, and next week companies will begin bidding on renovations at Memorial Park and Frank Johnson, Murphey said.

Other places where construction efforts are scheduled to commence in the next two to five months will be Freedom Park and the new Sub-South Recreation Center.

About $4.2 million in improvements are coming to Central City Park, where older buildings will be torn down in the upcoming weeks. The major renovations will begin after the Cherry Blossom Festival in March, Floore said.

The park is in the district of Commissioner Virgil Watkins, who said he's excited about each of the projects throughout Bibb County.

Central City will see some of its funds spent on a track, renovation of two ball fields and other changes.

"We're making major improvements for our recreation footprint," Watkins said. "It's good our kids, it's good for our health and wellness for adults."

Some of the focus must also turn toward balancing the ongoing work and having those facilities open for patrons, he said.

Floore said those details are being worked out, and Macon-Bibb will let people know of any impact that the changes will have.

For many of the projects, the money is part of a long-term master plan that would require additional sources of funding. This first round came from the voter-approved special tax.

The largest amount of money this time is $7.6 million that is going toward building the first phase of Sub-South. The work involves six tennis courts, two multipurpose fields, a track, basketball gym and an outdoor pool that could be formatted to be indoors in a later phase.

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

This story was originally published October 29, 2015 at 6:04 PM with the headline "The start of Macon-Bibb parks, recreation renovation projects nearing ."