Revitalizing park greenery in Douglasville

Just outside of Atlanta, the city of Douglasville recently celebrated the grand reopening of Jessie G. Davis Memorial Park. The park honors the legacy of Mr. Jessie G. Davis, Sr., a native and lifelong resident of Douglasville. In 1969, Davis established the city’s first recreation program for African American children by bringing a baseball team to the community. The park now features new and improved amenities including a gym, walking track, senior center, pool, and playground upgrades. A ribbon cutting on February 7, 2025, marked the occasion, with a community party following on March 19.

As part of the park’s renovations, Microsoft supported Trees Atlanta in hosting its first-ever tree planting event in Douglasville on March 29. The day provided a hands-on opportunity for Microsoft employees, residents, community groups, and local stakeholders and their families to add greenery to the park and make a lasting impact in the community. Volunteers came together to plant 105 trees, helping to restore the park’s natural landscape. This event also furthered Trees Atlanta’s mission as a nonprofit to protect local forests against tree loss and increase tree canopy in metro Atlanta.

As the trees grow in Jessie Davis Park, they’ll provide not only beauty to the park but also green infrastructure, according to Mike Vinciquerra, Business Development Director at Trees Atlanta. “The trees will shade driveways and parking areas to reduce the heat island effect and lower temperatures, both during the day and in the evenings. They’ll support wildlife including birds and other pollinators, while reducing and filtering stormwater runoff that stresses local water infrastructure. Last but not least, the trees will help filter particulate pollutants from the air and store carbon.”

With this revitalization, Jessie Davis Park will enhance quality of life and serve as a Douglasville community hub for years to come, providing recreational and rest spaces for residents of all ages.