Dublin Bicentennial Plaza Almost Complete

DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The city of Dublin is almost done with its big plan to get the public downtown. Workers are almost finished with a new plaza project that’s been years in the making.

Construction crews are in the final phase of the project that broke ground in May 2013.

They’re finishing up a park plaza in the heart of downtown.

City Manager, George Russel, thinks it’s one of the keys to restoring the area.

“It’s just another renovation of downtown Dublin. We’re very very proud of what’s been done in Dublin. I need to give most of the credit to the downtown development authority and the city’s engineering department.” Russel said.

The Bicentennial Park will represent the emerald city’s 200th birthday. Russel hopes the new walkways, grass park, and soon to be renovated library will be a boost to local businesses.

Dublin official say it’ll help with public and private partnerships.

“You know government can’t get it done, private enterprises can’t get it done alone. Together, we’ll make Dublin a better place to live,” Russel said.

The entire park covers about three acres and is just feet away from City Hall.

The $800,000 project, paid for using penny sales tax and private donations, will connect popular venues downtown, including Theatre Dublin.

Russel wants the finished product to attract more businesses to the area.

“This is a theater, ok, this is our performing arts theatre, so obviously that’s key to it. Our farmer’s market is right there, it’s very active. There’s always events going on there. Again, revitalizing downtown, it’s part of what is going to make downtown successful,” Russel said.

Russel says the bicentennial park plaza is slated to be completed before Christmas.

He thinks the future for the area could be anything from, events in the park, to a central hub for the Emerald City’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration.