We need your help! Linear Park, located along I-75 in the Historic Pleasant Hill Neighborhood, is getting a major upgrade with new shade structures, recreational facilities, and improved irrigation to make it safer, more sustainable, and family-friendly. It’s been called Linear Park since it was created several years ago by the Georgia Department of Transportation. 

As part of this refresh, community leaders are working to give the park a new name that better reflects its community. After gathering ideas, last fall,  there are five options to choose from, each celebrating a notable Pleasant Hill resident. The finalists include: 

Cleopatra Love Memorial Park

Willis B. Sheftall Memorial Park

Ozzie Belle McKay Memorial Park

H. Williams Memorial Park

Rodney M. Davis Memorial Park 

Before you vote, there is an opportunity to read and learn more about each of the named contributions. The second and third most popular names will also be featured within the park. Click here to vote. 

The park has already been used for community activities like Festivals in the Hills and vendor fairs. Now, it is set to undergo a major renovation project following a neighborhood-led design process that could add new trees, more seating, activity areas, and more.  

The improvements to the park are part of a state-funded effort from the Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionately Impacted Communities. This national effort funds investments in neighborhood features (including parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and healthy food access) which work to improve physical and mental health outcomes. 

The process began with rich community engagement, with more than 125 residents sharing their ideas for how they would like to use the park. With five sessions of community feedback with Interface Studio at both the park and the Booker T. Washington Community Center, the group was able to draft a design that encompassed: 

• Improved sidewalk design; 

• Addition of shade structures and pavilion; 

• Improved basketball court at Booker T. Washington Center; 

• Irrigation system to support trees and plants; and  

• Active play areas and a bike activity for children 

The goal of the project in Macon-Bibb County is to develop a framework for the commercial and job creation strategy for Walnut Street, including engagement of residents and property owners to define anti-displacement strategies, further define housing strategies, and more.