Muscogee County Revives Community Spirit with the Return of Summer Block Parties

By Leslie Hudgins

Summer has officially begun in Muscogee County. To celebrate, Columbus Parks and Recreation has teamed up with Davis Broadcasting and other local organizations to bring back a local favorite: Community Block Parties.

After nearly 20 years, the block parties have returned with a modern twist through a new program called "Local Recreation." The goal of this project is to bring recreational activities and resources directly into the community.

"I think it's important for people to feel seen and to know that the whole community hasn't forgotten about them," shared Geniece Granville, Davis Broadcasting Inc. Vice President and General Manager. "It's one thing to ask people to come out to find out about information, get services, or attend events. It's another thing to take it to their home. It says, 'We value your home; we value you.'"

The block parties will visit different housing areas every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. this summer. 

The first event kicked off yesterday at the Farley Homes Apartment complex, featuring arts and crafts for kids, a mobile library, and a variety of resources for families and parents. The Department of Health even had a mobile clinic that provided free COVID and flu vaccinations. 

According to Holli Browder, the director of Columbus Parks and Recreation, reviving these block parties aims to reignite a sense of community and togetherness. "We're trying to take it back to the community, to take recreation into the community," said Browder. "We try to serve the whole person; our goal is to touch on the whole person and provide opportunities for all people."

The next block party is scheduled at the Warren Williams Homes next Wednesday, June 26th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, residents can contact Columbus Parks and Recreation at (706) 225-4658 or via email at parksandrec@columbusga.org.

You can also find a recap reel of the block party on our Instagram @thecourier_ecolatino.