Although expected rain prevented outdoor activities, the shift indoors created an intimate atmosphere that allowed guests to slow down, connect, and truly reflect.

Guided tours led visitors through the home’s updated exhibits, offering a deeper look at Little Richard’s early life and the roots that helped shape his world-changing sound. The viewing of Rock & Relocate: The Story of Little Richard’s Childhood Home added another layer of meaning, reminding attendees of the resilience, creativity, and spirit that defined both the artist and the community that raised him.

“Little Richard’s Birthday Celebration was nothing short of amazing. Seeing our community come together to admire and appreciate his legacy on what would have been his 93rd birthday was truly heartwarming,” said organizer and Recreation Programmer Chris Austin. “And I’m proud of the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department for what we accomplished in such a short time at the Little Richard House.”

The Recreation Department hopes this gathering will spark continued interest in preserving the house, enhancing the exhibits, and creating more opportunities to celebrate the artists and stories that shaped Macon. As the final guests left, one thing was clear: Little Richard’s spirit still lives here, not just in the walls of his childhood home, but in the people who continue to honor his legacy.

If you missed the celebration, the Little Richard House and Resource Center Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Click here to see more pictures.

During the day, there will be normal activities such as swimming, boating, picnics, disk golf, and more. Live music with The Plum Tuckered  band is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Sandy Beach Park, and the fireworks show will start at 9:15 p.m. The park with the best view of the fireworks is Sandy Beach. To see the fireworks from Claystone, you must go to the west end of the beach. All gates will close at 8:00 p.m. for security purposes.

Admission to the parks is $3.00 per person, and children ages six and under are free. No alcohol or glass containers are allowed in the parks.

 “We’re expecting a huge crowd of people on the lake and beaches throughout the holiday,” says Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell. “It’s going to be a great day for our community to be at the lake, and we know people are going to have a great time enjoying the live music and show.”

 SAFETY TIPS & RULES

 Anyone interested in boating laws can pick up a boating safety handbook at any DNR office. People can also go online to www.goboatgeorgia.com for more information.

 “I hope everyone follows all safety rules and tips by Rangers and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Rangers, the Department of Natural Resources, and other emergency personnel will be on the water and in the parks to assist with any problems that may arise,” says Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell.

 As of July 1, 2014, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, must take a boating safety class approved by DNR to operate a personal watercraft or boat, as well as other restrictions.

  All persons on boat must have a PFD that is Coast Guard approved, in good condition, fits the person that intends to wear it, and is always accessible.

 Children under 13 must always wear a PFD (personal flotation device) on a moving vessel.

Children 13 and under must be always accompanied by adult at the swimming area.

 Any person 16 or over who operates a boat on Georgia waters must have picture ID on board.

 All boats must be registered and have registration on board. Operators must obey the rules of the road and be familiar with all boating laws.

]]> https://www.maconbibb.us/mapxlrevealed/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mapxlrevealed Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:57:13 +0000 https://www.maconbibb.us/?p=72132 The third iteration of the Macon Action Plan (MAP) has officially been released and it has some exciting features that will benefit all of Macon-Bibb County. On Wednesday, October 22, the MAP Steering Committee, Urban Development Authority (UDA), NewTown, Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCGA), Knight Foundation, Peyton Anderson Foundation, and Macon-Bibb County celebrated the release of MAP XL at Long Leaf Distillery. You can watch the full ceremony here.  

“We knew, sitting around the table in 2023, that one, the work was not done, and two, there was so much more to that story and that we had to take it to the next level,” said UDA Executive Director and Director of Planning and Public Spaces Alex Morrison.  

MAP XL includes more family-friendly areas, such as closing part of Cherry Street. This would create a closed space between the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Tubman African American Museum. Part of the plan also includes connecting more areas together with trails.  

“This was built by you,” said Interface Studio Principal Scott Page, who helped create MAP XL. “These ideas, your priorities, your hopes for the city are what we’re trying to capture in this project.” 

MAP XL was made possible thanks to hundreds of community members who shared their input about what they wanted to see in the third version of the MAP. People shared their opinions through an online survey and during two open houses at Fall Line Brewing Co. in August 2023 and Tubman African American Museum in January. 

The Macon Action Plan (MAP) is a comprehensive, community-driven plan that envisions the future of Macon’s Urban Core. The Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority received generous grants from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Peyton Anderson Foundation to fund this effort to plan for our collective future. Facilitated by the Macon-Bibb Urban Development Authority, Macon-Bibb County, and their partners, MAP is our roadmap to guide change and decision making in coming years.  

“This plan is bigger, it’s better, and it’s taking us to the next level. That’s why it’s called MAP XL,” said Morrison. 

Click here to see MAP XL! 

“It’s a great day in Macon-Bibb County. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again and again because I get to stand here with you, beside you, to celebrate how we worked together to create something great,” said Mayor Lester Miller.

“This is not just about a physical transformation, but a renewed commitment to equality, social justice, and public space for everyone to enjoy,” said Friends of Rosa Parks Square Board Chair Andrea Cooke. “We have come a long way.”

Rosa Parks Square, the largest green space in Downtown Macon, has been a staple in our community for decades. The space was named in honor of “the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement” under Mayor C. Jack Ellis’ administration, and under Mayor Robert Reichert’s administration, the park in front of City Hall was doubled in size.

“We felt it was important to make sure this green space was elevated to its highest potential In Macon Action Plan we wanted to make sure this was place that could be a focal point for events, for gatherings, and critically for protests as well, as it is emblazoned with the name of Rosa Parks,” said Director of Planning and Public Spaces and Urban Development Authority Executive Director Alex Morrison.

For many years, people in our community have been working to spruce up the park and make it more than just green space. In 2019, the Friends of Rosa Parks Square Board was formed to design, maintain, operate, and raise funds for the park. During the last five years, the board made great strides advocating for the park.

“This park holds deep meaning for the Macon community. It’s a space for reflection, remembrance, and unity, and we knew it was worth all of the many years of advocacy and we’re so happy to move forward with these renovations,” said Cooke.

Earlier this year, the Commission unanimously approved allocating $2.5 million for the project. Renovations include more seating space, a stage, picnic tables, a memorial wall, and more lighting. The Commission also approved allowing Stafford Builders & Consultants, Inc. to be the contractor on this project.

“We are grateful to be part of this endeavor, to be part of something so monumental,” said Walter Stafford with Stafford Builders & Consultants, Inc. “To be here standing here today in Rosa Parks’ honor to support something like this in our community, it means a very big deal to me.”

Our Public Works and Parks & Beautification crews will begin demolition at the park in the upcoming weeks. Renovations are expected to be completed by Spring 2025.

“Rosa Parks said, ‘When one’s mind is made up, this diminishes the fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear,’” said Mayor Miller. “And today is proof that your mind was made up, and I can’t wait to stand by your side when we officially open this new park to the public.”

Lake Tobesofkee will host its 28th Annual Sparks Over the Park Independence Day Celebration on Thursday July 4, 2024. Gates at all Lake Tobesofkee parks (Claystone, Sandy Beach, and Arrowhead) will open at8:00 a.m. and will close at 10:00 p.m.

During the day, there will be normal activities such as swimming, boating, picnics, disk golf, and more. Live music with The Rescue Dogs is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Sandy Beach Park, and the fireworks show will start at9:15 p.m. The park with the best view of the fireworks is Sandy Beach. To see the fireworks from Claystone, you must go to the west end of the beach.

Admission to the parks is $3.00 per person, and children ages six and under are free. No Alcohol or glass containers are allowed in the parks.

 SAFETY TIPS & RULES

Anyone interested in boating laws can pick up a boating safety handbook at any DNR office. People can also go online to www.goboatgeorgia.com for more information.

“I hope everyone follows all safety rules and tips by Rangers and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Rangers, the Department of Natural Resources, and other emergency personnel will be on the water and in the parks to assist with any problems that may arise,” says Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell.

As of July 1, 2014, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, must take a boating safety class approved by DNR to operate a personal watercraft or boat, as well as other restrictions.

All persons on boat must have a PFD that is Coast Guard approved, in good condition, fits the person that intends to wear it, and is always accessible.

Any person 16 or over who operates a boat on Georgia waters must have picture ID on board.

All boats must be registered and have registration on board. Operators must obey the rules of the road and be familiar with all boating laws.

The 11th Street Convenience Center (which is normally open seven days a week), and the Convenience Center on Fulton Mill Road (open normally Thursday through Saturday) will be closed Thursday, 7/4. The third Convenience Center on Ninadel Drive will not be affected. Click here to see normal hours of operation.

Ryland Environmental will also be closed, so trash and recycling/bulk waste pickup with be delayed by a day starting Thursday 7/4. So if your trash day is Thursday, it will be picked up Friday, if it’s Friday, it will be picked up Saturday.

Each of the five pools open will have 18 life jackets for the public to use when swimming.

“We’re so grateful for this donation from the health department,” said Recreation Department Assistant Director Armand Burnett, “While we have lifeguards, and already encouraged people to bring their own floating devices, this donation will provide an extra layer of safety to those who need it.”

The life jackets were purchased by the Macon-Bibb County Health Department and are being donated in partnership with the Safe Kids Central Georgia Coalition, which is housed at the MBCHD.

“The goal of the donation is to help promote health equity. While engaged in responsible physical activity, we both- the Recreation and Health Department- strive to ensure all community members in Macon-Bibb County have access to essential safety equipment,” said Joy Harris, MBCHD Health Education Supervisor. “This collaboration seeks to reduce the risk of unintentional drowning, particularly among children and non-swimmers. It will provide additional protection during water activities. It promotes water safety education and awareness, and a culture of prevention and preparedness.”

The Fire Department also gave tips on how to stay safe in bodies of water this summer.

Ms. Langford was serving as Mistress of Ceremonies for a celebration marking the start of work to plant 79 new trees behind her school. The ceremonial planting was attended by Mayor Lester Miller, Mayor Pro Tem Seth Clark, Dr. Sundra Woodford with the Board of Education and United Way of Central Georgia, Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims, Williams Elementary Principal Dr. Cynthia Jones, and several dozen students.

“This is going to change the look of Williams Elementary School,” Mayor Lester Miller told everyone.

“This is so humbling to see the love you’re showing here in Pleasant Hill,” said Dr. Jones. “Trees and plants provide a natural sanctuary for children to explore, learn, and develop. They teach children important lessons about the environment and sustainability.”

This is the third planting Macon-Bibb has undertaken with partners to begin planting 450 new trees at seven sites in the Historic Pleasant Hill Neighborhood and in East Macon. The first two sites were Jefferson Long Park and Mattie Hubbard Park, which together received 42 trees.

“Driving here, I took the long way through the neighborhood so I could see the progress,” Mayor Pro Tem Clark said, marveling at the 42 new trees in the other two parks and all the ones laid out at the school. “This is a new day for Pleasant Hill. Every person deserves that fresh air and that fresh shade that trees offer, and that’s what’s coming here.”

The other four sites include Linear Park in Pleasant Hill, and Davis Village, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, and Bicentennial Park in East Macon-Bibb. The seven sites were selected using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) and the the Tree Equity Score, which scores areas based on 8 different criteria (Tree canopy, building density, income and employment data, race, surface temperature, health, language, and age).

“This work can only be achieved by community engagement…and community partnerships,” Dr. Sundra Woodford with the United Way of Central Georgia and Bibb County Board of Education said. “These trees symbolize hope for a brighter tomorrow, and a reminder of the strength of communit that is deeply rooted in this historic and resilient neighborhood.”

Funding for this planting program comes from a Georgia Forestry Commission’s Trees Across Georgia grant in the amount of $253,150, which includes buying the trees, planting, labor, and maintenance.

“It’s a great day in Macon-Bibb, especially when we can welcome not one, not two, not three, but four families home,” Mayor Lester Miller told them. [Our Blight Fight] “is about more than just tearing down…it’s about putting back together, about building back together. It’s about strengthening neighborhoods one neighborhood at a time, one family at a time, one home at a time.”

“We’re very appreciative and grateful for this opportunity,” said Natasha Calhoun after receiving her keys.

Minnie Simmons followed shortly after, saying, “I am so grateful for the love in our house, so thank you all so much.”

“These homes are all built with so much love, hard work, and a lot of joy and laughter on the jobsite,” said Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Ivey Hall. “So, you all helped turn these four blighted lots into homes for our families that we celebrate today. And thanks to y’all, we’re not stopping with these four homes or this neighborhood.”

Two of the four homes were built as part of a program that is funded with $500,000 each from Macon-Bibb’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds and the Peyton Anderson Foundation. The $1 million program is being used to build eight homes, and these were the fourth and fifth of that program. The mortgage payments from those will be used to build even more in the future. The eight homes are being built on properties that had blighted structures on them that were demolished as part of the Blight Fight.

“Macon-Bibb – just like communities across the country – is facing a housing crisis, and we wanted to use our ARP funds to help our local organizations move forward more quickly with more options for people,” says Mayor Miller. “I want to thank the Peyton Anderson Foundation for matching our ARP funds and Habitat for Humanity for taking on this extra work to help people in our neighborhoods.”

Macon Habitat’s mission serves to increase the homeownership rate and stabilize communities by offering safe and affordable housing. Construction for the first eight homes is focused in Lynmore Estates and Napier Heights. The homes will be energy-efficient 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom houses and sold to future homeowners with a 20-year, 0% interest mortgage. In the last 35 years, Macon Habitat has helped 130 families become first-time homeowners and will continue to offer more homeownership opportunities.

Rebuilding homes in neighborhoods is the next step in the county’s ongoing Blight Fight, which has now passed its 710 demolitions. While the county has been removing dangerous and blighted structures, it has provided millions of dollars to several organizations to build new housing options.

In addition to Habitat for Humanity, that includes $3.2 million ($1.6 million each from Macon-Bibb and the Knight Foundation) to NewTown Macon and the Historic Macon Foundation, and $7.5 million as a match for a revolving loan fund that will be used to build even more housing.

“We are working to strengthen our families, our homes, and our neighborhoods as quickly as we can, using many different programs and strategies,” adds Mayor Miller. “Whether it’s using the courts to crack down on centers of crime, providing free mental health support services, improving public safety, or building housing, this work is too important for us to slow down.”

About Macon Area Habitat for Humanity
Macon Area Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry whose goal is the elimination of substandard housing in Macon. Since its inception in 1986, Macon Area Habitat for Humanity has served almost 130 families in the Macon area through invaluable partnerships with area churches, corporations, groups, individuals, nonprofits, and local governments, through the provision of safe, decent, and affordable homeownership.

MAHFH also works in partnership with residents to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods undergoing revitalization and is a persistent advocate, not only for these initiatives but also for the removal of blight and decay in Macon-Bibb. To learn more, visit maconhabitat.org.

“We know that this is just a single milestone, and your Commission is behind you. Here’s to 700 more; congratulations,” Mayor Pro Tem Clark said.

“I think we can all agree that we’re doing great work in that area. We say time and time again that this is more than tearing down; it’s about building up,” replied Mayor Lester Miller, pointing out the millions the Commission has put toward beginning the in-fill process.

The 700^th demolition happened at 1160 Holt Avenue, an abandoned house with a large hole in the roof, the foundation appearing to crumble, walls falling in, and obvious signs of fires inside.

And as Mayor Pro Tem Clark pointed out right before the demolition, it was also significant for the neighborhood. It was the 22^nd demolition in the neighborhood surround Central High and Miller Middle Schools,  showing a focus to remove dangerous structures from a specific area. When #BlightFight began, Code Enforcement began by looking at dangerous structures around schools and recreation centers to make the first improvements in areas where children and families would gather.

“For three years, we have focused on removing blighted and dangerous structures from our neighborhoods because people said they were tired of it,” Mayor Lester Miller told the assembled group at that time. “They were tired of how it looked…tired of the crime it can attract…tired of the creatures that live there. Tired of thinking their neighborhoods had been forgotten.”

“Our children – and my child does walk to school already, so this is very personal to me – deserve to start and end their school days with a pleasant walk, one where they can get focused on their day or prepare for evening activities,” he said. “Not a walk where the houses are falling in, rodents live, and present other dangers. They don’t deserve this view.”

At both the demolition and the presentation of the brick, the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem both reminded the community that the demolitions are just the first step – albeit a very visible and quick one – in the #BlightFight.

Currently, several groups are working on ways to build affordable homes or even get people to buy older homes to revitalize them. Macon-Bibb and the Peyton Anderson Foundation gave $1 million ($500,000 from each) to Habitat for Humanity to build eight homes, and the mortgage payments from those will be used to build even more in the future.  Additionally, $3.2 million ($1.6 million each from Macon-Bibb and the Knight Foundation) was given to NewTown Macon and the Historic Macon Foundation, and $7.5 million started a revolving loan fund to build even more housing.