Macon Magazine

25 Christmas Lights Extravaganza. "With the Christmas lights show, we created something where families want to come and hang out together downtown at Christmas," he said. With Macon Rocks, it is his hope that families can make memories, learn skills and spend quality time together year-round. From birthday parties and summer camps to opportunities for Boy Scout badges and lessons in teamwork, it's a family destination. "I'm constantly getting thanked by parents who say their kids loved it. It's a good workout and a lot of fun. Climbing will be in the Olympics this year, and it's fun for kids to watch that and then be able to go and do it," he said. "I wanted it to be a place where kids craved going." The notion of craving a visit to downtown Macon, especially drawing in people from surrounding communities, is part of Reimagining the Civic Commons, a national effort to pioneer new ways to design, manage and operate public spaces. In Macon, that effort is built around bringing the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail into the core of downtown and out into neighborhoods using the median park system. Morrison said that using those spaces is the crux of bringing a family- friendly atmosphere permanently into downtown. "It's the idea that the public realm is inviting, welcoming and accessible by all people, no matter their background," Morrison said. "We're trying to drive home that downtown Macon is a place that belongs to everyone in this community. It's not just for beer drinkers and high-income residents, it's everyone – children, singles, young families and those aging in place. No matter their background and upbringing, downtown Macon is a place they can see themselves." PHOTOS BY JESSICA WHITLEY

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