Charles H. Jones Gateway Park is at the corner of Riverside Dr. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and the site of the former Washburn Moving and Storage facility. The property was purchased by Bibb County with FEMA funds in 1998 in order to remove the building from the flood plain. A portion of the site was then raised several feet to serve as another flood barrier and was developed as a public park. 

Initially referred to as Gateway Park because of its location along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, a primary “gateway” to historic downtown Macon, the park was re-named for local businessman and philanthropist Charles H. Jones. Mr. Jones was one of the founding members of NewTown Macon and a generous donor in the organization’s first capital campaign. The naming of the park recognizes Mr. Jones’ vision for the renaissance of downtown Macon and for his philanthropy, which has profoundly impacted the quality of life in our community. 

In the 2001 ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Governor Roy Barnes, Dr. Kirby Godsey, chairman of NewTown Macon said: “The Jones family gift is an exceptional example of faith in NewTown Macon’s mission and our community. We are inspired by their leadership and community pride and humbled by their generosity.”

Charles H. Jones Gateway Park also features an interactive fountain funded by BB&T and a life-size bronze statue of legendary musician and songwriter Otis Redding.