Amerson River Park re-opens this weekend, after being closed for more than a year for improvements.
Tropical Storm Alberto destroyed Macon's water plant, back in the flood of 1994. This is the land that Amerson sits on today, after the city moved the water plant.
NewTown Macon played a big role when the Amerson park first opened.
But city spokesperson Chris Floore says there was always a plan on the books to make everything bigger and better down by the river.
Floore says when Jim Marshall was in Congress, he secured a $5.5 million earmark for the park.
So things are ready to go and there is an outfitter called Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions set to put kayaks on the river. Kathy O'Neal runs the business and is excited about all the improvements.
"What they've done with the infrastructure the paved trails," O'Neal explained. "So its more accessible to a lot more people to the handicapped, and if people want to bike. So I'm a number one fan of bathrooms that's always an improvement."
Landlubbers have lots of amenities, but the water is a huge draw.
O'Neal will give folks instruction on how to use a kayak or canoe, provide you with a life jacket and shuttle service.
"I pick up at Spring Street, it's a good two hour float and people think you look how pretty this is right here in the middle of downtown Macon," she said.
And every Maconite knows the river fluctuates, so much so that during certain times of the year you can see the bottom. O'Neal says don't get discouraged with shallow banks.
"Actually that's a great time for families because you can pull up on a sandbar and the kids can splash around," O'Neal explained. "Today I had a group of people who found a beautiful piece of driftwood that looks like a fish and when the rivers low you can see those things. When its up there's a little less work, you don't have to worry about low spots you just float down and enjoy the river."
There are two boat ramps, but they are designed just for tubes, kayaks and canoes.
You can't put in a bass boat at Amerson.
The grand re-opening begins Saturday morning at 11 a.m.
Just for Saturday, parking will happen at Hutchings College & Career Academy (2011 Riverside Drive) and River Street Corners (2720 Riverside Drive). MTA will provide shuttles throughout the day.
They will have music, bands and activities for kids on the playground. For the month of June, Amerson will only be open Saturday and Sunday. After that Amerson will be open seven days a week from sunrise until sunset.
