Wednesday, January 28, 2026–9:20 a.m.
-News Release-
The City of Rome is proud to be named as a 2026 Visionary City Award honoree, presented by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in collaboration with Georgia Trend. The award recognizes initiatives that demonstrate thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to improving quality of life.
Selected in the Large Cities Category, Rome was honored for the revitalization of Banty Jones Park, a once-overlooked neighborhood space transformed through resident engagement and cross-sector collaboration. Guided by input from more than 175 residents, the city reimagined the park as a safe, accessible, and family-friendly gathering place.
Larry Hanson, CEO and executive director of GMA, said, “Rome’s revitalization of Banty Jones Park shows how listening to residents and investing in public spaces can strengthen neighborhoods and build trust. This project reflects the power of community-driven design.”
“The revitalization of Banty Jones Park represents what Rome is all about— working together to create spaces that strengthen community connections,” said Rome City Manager Sammy Rich. “Being recognized as a Visionary City affirms our commitment to inclusive planning and investing in projects that improve quality of life for everyone.”
This project was made possible through collaboration and shaped by the voices of the Banty Jones neighborhood,” said Bekki Fox, Rome’s Community Development Director. “By working with residents and partners, we were able to transform an underutilized space into a vibrant park that will serve as a community gathering place for families for years to come.
The beautiful park offers open areas for play and gatherings, a new splash pad surrounded by a small amphitheater, modern playgrounds, pavilions, a scenic boardwalk, and restrooms. Banty Jones Park is located at 212 E 13th Street and is open daily for leisure use.
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