Macon-Bibb appropriates $1.5M for improvements at Rosa Parks Square

"This has been a long time coming," Commissioner Elaine Lucas said.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb Commissioners appropriated up to $1.5 million this week for improvements at Rosa Parks Square.

According to Macon-Bibb, the improvements will include new seating and enhanced shading, as well as a wall to honor local luminaries. The space will also be leveled to make it more accessible for events.

Macon-Bibb says the improvements account already had nearly $1 million, and the additional funding brings the total to about $2.5 million.

“This has been a long time coming,” Commissioner Elaine Lucas said. “We’ve been waiting and anticipating for progress on this project and we’re finally moving in the right direction. “I’m especially happy since I’ll be leaving the Commission at the end of the year and this is a project that I’ve had on my list for many years, so it’s nice to check this one off my list.”

The funding will come from the general fund.

Friends of Rosa Parks Square Board Chair Andrea Cooke says the funding has been five years in the making.

“Our board thanks the visionaries, the Mayor and Commission at that time who thought enough of Rosa Parks to honor her in Macon, and the current Mayor and Commission for funding our park,” she said.

Rosa Parks Square is located in downtown Macon across Poplar Street from Macon City Hall.