Cairo, Ga. (WTXL)--As we approach Jackie Robinson Day this Friday, the day the first African American major league baseball player made his big debut, a ballpark in his hometown of Cairo is getting a highly anticipated face lift.
It's been years in the making but a Grady County Park is getting a makeover.
The Barber family donated this land to Grady County nearly 20 years ago.
And while the county says they've put it to great use, it still needs some updates.
"As things get older and start to break down, we haven't had a major repair in several years", Betty Bracewell, Recreation Manager.
The park started off with updating it's light posts but the County Administrator says its getting bigger upgrades.
"We don't have a gathering place in the county. I was born and raised in San Francisco so we used to go to Golden Gate Park. You played ball there, you took your girlfriends on dates there, and we want Barber Park to be like that to where children can play, and adults can walk around", Carlos Tobar.
Plans for the new park include a splash park, an adult workout center, and a playground.
Though the government gave out a $100,000 to fund the project, the community played a big part in the kick off. They donated hundreds of dollars along with their services to help make it happen.
Grant funds will be available in November.
