Macon-Bibb County will break ground on Thursday, November 12, at 11:00 a.m. for the improvements being made at the East Macon Recreation Center (3326 Ocmulgee East Boulevard). This event marks the beginning of the first phase of improvements, which includes sidewalks, a new t-ball field, a rebuilt concession stands, new fencing, and upgrades to the storm drainage system and the scoring boxes. This phase will cost $300,000, which is being paid for with funds from the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

The list of improvements at this site was developed after three public meetings were held to determine what the community wanted at this site. Community meetings were also held to develop master plans and identify needed improvements at Central City Park, Frank Johnson Community Center, Freedom Park, Memorial Gymnasium, Rosa Jackson Community Center, and the new SubSouth Recreation Center.

“This is very exciting for East Macon-Bibb and all the people that use the Center, and I’m very glad to see this work begin,” says District 3 Commissioner Elaine Lucas. “For too many years, we didn’t do enough for recreation, and with the SPLOST, we can finally give the community, especially our children, the facilities they deserve.”

“Our recreation centers needed our and the entire community’s support, and now they’re getting it because of the SPLOST,” says Interim Recreation Director Reggie Moore. “What we’re doing is just the beginning, though; even when we complete all of these projects, we’re going to keep finding ways to provide Macon-Bibb County with better facilities and better programming.”

“It’s because of the people in Macon-Bibb County that we are able to improve on facilities all over our community,” says SPLOST Advisory Committee Chairperson Jeffery Monroe. “Their support of the SPLOST is what has allowed us to build new fire stations, improve our parks, buy new sheriff vehicles, install a new emergency radio system, attract new business, improve the safety of our roads, and so much more.”

“These next few months, people will begin seeing a great deal of improvements made all over the County,” says Mayor Robert Reichert. “The Commission and staff have been working hard to get a lot of projects to this point, and now the public will be able to see how the penny is being spent to improve the community.”

For more information about the SPLOST,
how the funds are being spent, progress on projects, and more,
visit Macon-Bibb County’s new SPLOST website by clicking here.