MACON, Ga. — Rosa Park Square has come a long way. The Friends of Rosa Parks Square Board is working to make downtown's largest green space even greener.
Andrea Cooke is the chairman of the board. She said the changes are for the community.
"It's going to be an even better space for people to gather," Cooke said.
She said about $2.5 million has been allocated for the park's new look.
"Just under a million came from the sale of Hotel 45 and so that money was donated by the Urban Development Authority and then the 1.5 million that was just allocated by the mayor and commission," Cooke said.
Cooke said the renovations have been a goal for over 10 years.
"Some of the members of our board were working before it became a board and so I believe since 2012 they've been advocating to get this park redone," Cooke said.
Ashley Doolin is the owner of Pearl, the restaurant sits right across from the park. She said she hopes the park becomes more accessible for everyone.
"I would love to see more walkable spaces for people, for kids. I would love to look over and see a child learning to ride their bike while learning about Rosa Parks," Doolin said.
Cooke said the funded changes include leveling out the space, adding more seating, adding a lot more shading, and a tribute wall for people who made Macon the place it is now.
"We're calling it our Luminary Wall for now and so what will happen there is that people who contributed to the footprint, what has made Macon...Macon will be able to be honored on that wall," Cooke said.
Doolin said she's supports the changes because of the business it will bring.
"The more that's downtown, the better off we all do so it's very exciting," Doolin said. "There's so much going on on First Street I think it's often forgotten, but there's a lot life here.
Cooke said there isn't a timeline on when they plan to break ground, but it will be soon. She added that eventually the board wants to add a statue of Rosa Parks in the square.