More renovations coming to Fort Hill Community Park thanks to $50,000 grant

The James M. Cox Foundation awarded Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful a $50,000 grant to further ongoing renovation efforts at Fort Hill Community Park.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The James M. Cox Foundation awarded Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful a $50,000 grant to further ongoing renovation efforts at Fort Hill Community Park.

The latest grant brings total investment in the park to roughly $300,000 in the past year. Asha Ellen, the Executive Director of Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful, says the park has undergone a complete facelift since she began her role three years ago.

“The trees that you see planted, the garden, the basketball court mural, all of this came about from the efforts of a variety of different organizations and individuals, from grants, to be able to bring some life and vibrancy into this park,” Ellen said.

Ellen says this grant will help the park’s appearance by helping keep it clean and providing more fitness opportunities for visitors.

“We will be able to continue our efforts by adding more park benches, decorative trash cans, calisthenics equipment and so much more for the beautification and enhancement of this park,” Ellen said.

But Fort Hill residents say there’s no greater benefit of recent investment than public safety. Victor Hunt, the former president of the Fort Hill and East Macon Neighborhood Association, says a more welcoming park offers a safe haven for children away from crime in the area.

“They feel that they don’t have to look over their shoulders, you know,” Hunt said. “It’s a sense of security. And that is much needed throughout this area.” 

Hunt applauded the work of Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful, noting that the park is quickly becoming a place that’s enjoyable for all ages, something he and others have been waiting on for decades.

“It’s a place where our youth can come study, enjoy themselves, play games, and have family outings,” Hunt said. 

Hunt says the beautification of the park allows East Macon to feel heard, which has brought pride to the area he hopes will continue.