As we move closer to making Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve a reality, the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative (ONPPI) is leading an important new effort: developing a Regional Strategic Plan to help Middle Georgia prepare for the impacts and opportunities that a national park will bring.
Thanks to generous funding from the Knight Foundation and in partnership with the Middle Georgia Regional Commission (MGRC), ONPPI has selected planning and design firm Kimley-Horn as their consulting partner to facilitate the planning process. With additional support from tourism experts at Clarity of Place, the planning team will work closely with local, state, tribal, and national partners to create a vision for the park that responsibly stewards this landscape’s cultural and ecological significance, enhances the visitor experience, creates outdoor recreation access, and maximizes the economic benefits for the communities of Middle Georgia.
Why a Strategic Plan?
Creating a new national park involves more than protecting land. It also means analyzing all of the ways a national park will affect our region and communities, as well as how our communities can in turn support the expanded park. The strategic plan will align regional goals for the park and preserve, prioritize needs and opportunities, and provide recommendations to address them. The planning process will rely heavily on local knowledge and expertise to create an impactful roadmap for fully realizing the benefits a national park can bring, ensuring that our voices help shape the future of Georgia’s first national park and preserve.
How to Get Involved?
Public input is at the heart of this process. Starting in June 2025, ONPPI and Kimley-Horn will host a series of community meetings and other outreach events throughout the region. Whether you are a local resident, a business owner, a conservation advocate, a hunter or angler, or someone who simply loves the Ocmulgee landscape, your voice matters.
Also check out other Meetups in Macon.
