Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1389428
24 "It's not unreasonable to say that previously, major programming for downtown was built around music and drinking, and while that is good to drive business, it's not driving family participation. Now, we're really leaning into that," said Alex Morrison, executive director of the Urban Development Authority. He cited First Fridays, movie nights in the park and The Market, downtown Macon's monthly farmers and makers market, as including vendors and programming specifically chosen to interest children. Then there's the plan to bring a signature playground to downtown. "MAP 2.0 calls for it to be a place that can really draw families in a robust way. That's something that we've seen be successful in peer cities such as Memphis," he said. "The notion of exploration and whimsy brings a child-like atmosphere to downtown, and we want activities to keep families engaged in downtown, visiting businesses and having experiences that everyone from the youngest to the oldest can enjoy." Morrison said several businesses already have been successful at integrating kid-friendly experiences into what would normally be grown- up spaces. Corn hole boards at Just Tap'd and the game room at Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen are just two examples. New business Macon Rocks Climbing Gym is another. Owner Bryan Nichols has been invested in downtown revitalization for decades. He's the genius behind Macon's wildly successful Main Street 'I wanted it to be a place where kids craved going.' — Bryan Nichols PHOTO BY MARYANN BATES