DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) – In a major step toward building a brighter and safer future for the younger generation, the City of Douglas is upgrading Unity Park as part of a $1.6 million renovation initiative.

The project, which includes new playground equipment, basketball goals, and updated athletic fields, is part of a larger transition to improve community recreation facilities across the city. Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funded the renovations that are currently in Phase Two of implementation.

For residents like Kentaiwon Carter Durham, a former Commissioner for Ward 2 in Douglas, the improvements are personal. He grew up playing at Unity Park and says these changes bring joy to the neighborhood.

“Growing up and playing in this park all my life, this is all I know,” Durham said. “It’s such a joy that the city is moving forward with the rehab, bringing joy to the neighborhood and people outside of the neighborhood.”

Steve Young, Director of Parks and Recreation, said the goal its about community safety and engagement.

“Unscrupulous people come around and start using stuff,” Young said. “Now, more activities are going on, more positive activities are going to hopefully get other things moved away from this area.”

Durham added that having safe and fun spaces for kids can help lessen crime rates and provide positive outlets for the community to rely on.

“People don’t think that it is vital, but if you look at it, it keeps crime down. It keeps our children in place, it keeps them having something to do. That means a lot to our community.”

Young agreed with this statement, calling the project an opportunity to “uplift the community and uplift a blighted area.”

Renovations at Unity Park are expected to be completed by June — just in time for families and youth to enjoy the space throughout the summer.

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