The Macon-Bibb County Parks and Beautification Department recently planted 58 new shade trees at Delores A. Brooks Recreation Center, creating a more comfortable, welcoming, and sustainable space for the community to enjoy.

The project was made possible through a Georgia ReLeaf Grant administered by the Georgia Tree Council. The Georgia ReLeaf program is supported by Urban and Community Forestry funding from the Georgia Forestry Commission and the USDA Forest Service. Macon-Bibb County was selected to receive 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.”

Among the trees planted were 12 Willow Oak, 8 Bracken’s Brown Magnolia, 10 Trident Maple, 10 Nuttall Oak, and 18 Princeton Elm. The trees were planted at the entrance of the Recreation 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 last couple of years, the Parks and Beautification team has planted about half a million dollars’ worth of trees through grants and private donations.