After nearly a decade of hope, hustle, and heart from the community, the City of Statesboro is officially breaking ground on the renovation of Whitesville Park. A special ceremony will take place on Wednesday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m. at 209 Raymond Street Extension, marking the beginning of a new chapter for a park that’s meant so much to so many.
Whitesville Park was once a lively gathering spot run by local volunteers, but after years of wear, vandalism, and tough maintenance challenges, it closed its gates back in 2016. Despite setbacks, the Whitesville Community Resource and Development Organization Inc. never gave up, pushing for the park’s revival and working closely with the city to make it happen.
The big turning point came in April 2022 when the City of Statesboro officially took ownership of the property. And although early grant efforts came up short, the city stepped up in a big way — allocating $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to finally make the dream a reality.
In December 2024, the City Council selected Lavender & Associates to lead the renovation, which will transform the park into a safe, vibrant community space once again. Upgrades will include a brand-new modern restroom, a refurbished basketball court, a playground, and a covered pavilion — all set to wrap up by Fall 2025.
City leaders and community members will speak at the groundbreaking event, sharing how this long-awaited project honors the park’s past while investing in its future.