Bicentennial Park
Macon, GA
In 2024, Macon - now incorporated as Macon-Bibb - celebrated its 200-year anniversary. Planning began in 2023 with the formation of the Macon 200 Commission, which was tasked with creating a year-long celebration of events culminating in a gift: Bicentennial Park. At the outset, the commission chair invited Wimberly Treadwell, PLA, ASLA to participate in the landscape architecture process as various sites were being evaluated. Wimberly embraced the opportunity to serve as the Landscape Architect for the 200-year gift, as her great-grandfather, P. E. Dennis, was the local architect for Macon Auditorium, the city's 100-year gift. She donated her time to the site selection process, all aspects of design development, and the project management and construction oversite of Bicentennial Park.
The Landscape Architect led a committee to develop the park's concept plans. The group considered the types of amenities desired by the neighborhood and by Macon-Bibb. Residents of East Macon, in the early development of the Mill Hill community, requested a passive park with a multi-purpose field. The park was designed to provide numerous opportunities for play, sports practice, and events. The field's dimensions and orientation were planned to accommodate Muscogee Indian Stick Ball games. Macon-Bibb has a strong partnership with the Muscogee Nation to preserve and enhance the OMNHP, and the park's field allows for demonstration Stick Ball events in celebration of this heritage.
A major challenge for the committee was interpreting 200 years of Macon's history within a park setting - which was later decided to be expressed with a sculpture. An international search for sculptors was conducted, and artists were asked to create works symbolizing the hurt, hope, and healing. The search produced remarkable results, and the committee selected several pieces to be included in the park.
Every element of the park's design considered the sculpture pieces, including the walkway system and approaches to each sculpture. One sculpture incorporates shadow patterns, prompting detailed shadow studies to maximize its effect on the patio. A Native American artist is creating a bronze Stick Ball Warrior sculpture to be placed at the top of the field. The walkway system allows visitors to view the sculptures from multiple angles and locations throughout the park.
The park plans also include extensive plantings of trees for shade, color, and pecan trees to establish a future edible forest. The design team was awarded a TAG grant for tree planting at numerous locations across Macon-Bibb, and Bicentennial Park has received over 100 trees. The varieties, such as pecans and figs, were carefully selected for urban hardiness, ornamental character, and future benefits. Bicentennial Park will serve all that visit, play, and explore as a place of comfort and reflection.
