Dozens of people gathered Saturday morning, September 12, at the newly named Willis B. Sheftall, Sr. Legacy Park to celebrate the life and lasting impact of a man who dedicated decades to serving the Pleasant Hill community.
Many in attendance grew up in Pleasant Hill and knew Willis B. Sheftall, Sr. personally, while others came to know his story and the impact he made on generations of families. Throughout the ceremony, several people shared memories and stories about Sheftall, each speaking with admiration about his character, leadership, and commitment to his community.
For more than 50 years, Sheftall led the Booker T. Washington Community Center, helping provide recreational, educational, and social opportunities for young people and families in Pleasant Hill.
His son, Michael Sheftall, said seeing the community come together to honor his father was emotional.
“It feels overwhelming. It’s so great. I’m so proud of my dad,” said Michael.
When asked what he hopes future generations will learn about his father when they visit the park, Michael pointed to the way he lived and served others.
“I would hope that they would learn that he gave it his best shot. Tried hard,” he said. “He was just a good person.”
The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved renaming Linear Park as Willis B. Sheftall, Sr. Legacy Park in April 2026. The name was selected by the community through a voting process led by legacy residents.
Now, the park at 1493 Fourth Avenue stands as a permanent tribute to Sheftall and a place where future generations can learn about a man whose service helped shape Pleasant Hill.
Following the dedication ceremony, neighbors, friends, and families stayed at the park for a community celebration with food and music.
The improvements to the park were 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 design that included: improved walking trails; addition of shade structures and pavilion; an improved basketball court at Booker T. Washington Center; an irrigation system to support trees and plants; and active play areas and a bike activity for children.
This project to improve Willis B. Sheftall, Sr. Legacy Park is a direct result of the Pleasant Hill Strategic Plan, a resident-driven plan which engaged more than 400 residents and community members to identify several strategic priorities for neighborhood improvement. That included enhancing neighborhood infrastructure, increasing commercial opportunities, and preserving the history and culture of the area.
This strategic plan is also connected to broader initiatives to enhance government collaboration and accountability through:
- Reimagining the Civic Commons: A coalition and effort to improve traffic and pedestrian safety on Walnut Street.
- Smart Growth America Community Connectors program: A national grant to support capacity building and technical assistance for the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Organization.
- Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant: A federal grant from the Inflation Reduction Act’s Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) Program to support an Urban Design Plan to reconnect Pleasant Hill improving access to mobility and economic opportunity.
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