Josh Rogers Way dedicated in downtown Macon
Leaders say the street and future playspace reflect Rogers’ vision for an inclusive, connected downtown.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Family, friends and community leaders gathered in downtown Macon on Wednesday to dedicate Josh Rogers Way, a block of Third Street between Poplar and Cherry streets named in honor of the late NewTown Macon CEO Josh Rogers.
Macon-Bibb County commissioners unanimously approved the street naming in 2025, recognizing Rogers for his role in revitalizing downtown Macon. Those who spoke during the dedication remembered him as a collaborative leader who believed downtown should be welcoming and connected for everyone.
“Josh’s superpower was that he could think big, and then he could gather the right people to make sure that it happened,” said Kathryn Dennis, president of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. “I just think that’s remarkable for a community.”
Alex Morrison, director of planning and public spaces for Macon-Bibb County and executive director of the Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority, shared plans for the future of the space.
“This block of Third Street is going to be transformed into a multi-generational play space,” Morrison said. “That will augment everything else that goes on downtown, from the Christmas lights to the Cherry Blossom Festival and other events. This will be a space where families from all over the world can come and enjoy our beautiful downtown with a beautiful play space.”
Morrison said the project will help Rogers’ legacy live on and reflect the values he championed.
“I hope that his family feels that this honors who Josh was as a man and who he was as a father,” Morrison said. “He wanted our community to be everybody’s playground.”
Leaders say the future plays pace reflects Rogers’ belief in togetherness and in creating public spaces that serve all generations.
NewTown Macon says the site was identified in the Macon Action Plan as a future site for a transformative public space. “‘Josh Rogers Way’ will soon become an intergenerational playspace designed to bring people together in the heart of the city. The planned playspace will serve as a free, accessible gathering place where children, families, seniors, and visitors can connect across generations,” a NewTown Macon release said. (Credit: NewTown Macon)
