KidsFest 2025 Brings Holiday Fun to Uptown Columbus this Saturday
[Columbus, Georgia, December 9, 2025] – Columbus Parks and Recreation invites families across the
community to celebrate the season at KidsFest 2025 on Saturday, December 13th. The free event will take place
from 10 a.m. to noon in the City Hall Courtyard located at 1144 Broadway.

KidsFest will feature games, music, a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Families can enjoy
festive activities designed for children of all ages while experiencing the holiday spirit in Uptown Columbus.

Community members are encouraged to come out and enjoy the various fun and holiday activities available
throughout the courtyard, inviting families to create special memories together.

For More Information, Contact:
Grace Waldron, Community Engagement Coordinator
Waldron.grace@columbusga.org
7066-905-8348

NOTICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT HOLIDAY CLOSING
Christmas – December 25 – 26, 2025
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026

Notice is hereby given that the local Government of Columbus, Georgia, will alter or suspend all services on
Thursday, December 25th, through Friday, December 26th, and Thursday, January 1, 2026. This is with the
exception of emergency services such as fire, police, and ambulance. For emergency services, please call the
911 Emergency Center

Public Invited to Learn About Proposed Buena Vista Road
Multimodal Corridor Improvements

[Columbus, Georgia, December 4, 2025] – Muscogee County and the Georgia Department of
Transportation (GDOT) invite the public to attend an in-person informational meeting regarding the Proposed
Buena Vista Road Multimodal Corridor Improvements Project (PI# 0019527).

The project includes proposed improvements along Buena Vista Road from SR 22 Spur/Wynnton Road to
Annette Avenue and aims to create a safer, more accessible corridor for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit
users.
An in-person public information meeting will be held on:
Thursday, December 4, 2025
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Fluellen Recreation Center
2824 8th Street
Columbus, GA 31906

The meeting will provide an overview of the project, display proposed design concepts, and offer an opportunity
for attendees to ask questions and provide feedback directly to the project team.
For residents who cannot attend in person, information about the project will also be available online. The project
website will remain open through December 19, 2025, allowing the public to review materials and submit
comments electronically.

Project website: https://bit.ly/TIA-BVMultimodalProject

This project is funded through the Transportation Investment Act (TIA) and is being administered by the
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) in coordination with Muscogee County.
Public input is an important part of the project development process. Residents, business owners, and
stakeholders are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives.

For More Information, Contact:
Will Johnson, Planning Director
WJohnson@columbusga.org
706-653-4116

Columbus Civic Center to Go Fully Cashless and Ticketless Starting January 1, 2026
[Columbus, Georgia, December 3, 2025] – The Columbus Civic Center announced today that beginning
January 1, 2026, the venue will transition to a fully cashless and ticketless experience for all events. This
update is designed to streamline entry, enhance safety, and improve the overall guest experience.

What Guests Can Expect:
• Cashless Payments Only: All major credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment options (Apple
Pay, Google Pay, etc.), will be accepted for box office, concessions, and bars.
• Ticketless Entry: Fans will use the Ticketmaster app or digital tickets on their smartphones for entry.
Step-by-step guides are available on the Columbus Civic Center’s website.
o How To Manage Your Tickets: https://civiccenter.columbusga.gov/Events-Tickets/ManageYour-Tickets
• Box Office Purchases: The Columbus Civic Center Box Office will continue to accept card and mobile
payments. Instead of receiving a paper ticket, purchases will go directly into the guest’s email.
o Box Office Information: https://civiccenter.columbusga.gov/Box-Office
• Previously Purchased Paper Tickets: Guests who purchased paper tickets before January 1, 2026, will
still be honored at entry. Moving forward, all tickets will be digital.
• Full Cashless & Ticketless FAQ:

Guests can view a complete overview of the new process including digital ticket management, payment
options, entry procedures, and helpful tips at: https://civiccenter.columbusga.gov/Plan-YourVisit/Ticketless-FAQ
This transition reflects the Columbus Civic Center’s continued commitment to safety, convenience, and efficiency.
Cashless transactions reduce waiting times, minimize contact, and create a more secure environment for fans and
staff alike.

For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Babin
Marketing Manager, Columbus Civic Center
Babin.jennifer@columbusga.org
(706) 617-7651

Columbus Parks & Recreation to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Street Hockey Rink at Benning Park

[Columbus, Georgia, November 14, 2025] – Columbus Parks & Recreation will host a public meeting on
Thursday, Nov. 20, to discuss the potential addition of a street hockey rink at Benning Park.
The proposed facility would provide a dedicated space for Columbus Street Hockey and community members to
enjoy the growing sport locally.

The meeting will take place at Frank Chester Recreation Center, offering residents an opportunity to ask
questions, share feedback, and voice their thoughts on whether the project should move forward. Community
participation is encouraged, and all are welcome to attend.

Public Meeting Details:
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Frank Chester Recreation Center, Columbus, GA

For More Information, Contact:
Grace Waldron, Community Engagement Coordinator
waldron.grace@columbusga.org
706-905-8348

Columbus Parks and Recreation Department Earns Top Honors at State and District Levels
[Columbus, Georgia, November 7, 2025] – The City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department
received multiple top honors from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA), recognizing
outstanding achievements in leadership, programming, and community service.

At the GRPA District 3 Banquet on October 1, 2025, the department was celebrated among 29 cities for
numerous accomplishments. Samantha Thies, Community Schools Division Manager, received the Mary Roth
Award for Outstanding Programmers. The District Administrative Support Award was presented to Debbie
Neely. Emiko McDonald was named Volunteer of the Year for her dedicated service at Frank Chester Recreation
Center. Trees Columbus earned the Special Recognition Award for its contributions to city parks, and Sam
Manning received the Outstanding Program Award for his Green Power Racing Program. The Columbus Parks
and Recreation Department also received the highest district honor, as Agency of the Year.

At the GRPA State Banquet on November 5, 2025, Columbus again stood out among 159 counties statewide.
Trees Columbus received the Volunteer of the Year Award for its impact on park preservation and beautification,
and Jared Owens, Parks Services Manager, earned the Parks Maintenance Distinguished Professional Award for
his lasting contributions to the field of recreation and park operations.

Mayor Skip Henderson announced plans to proclaim a Day to Honor GRPA Award Recipients in recognition of
the department’s achievements at both the state and district levels. The proclamation will celebrate the
department’s dedication to serving the Columbus community through innovative programs, strong leadership, and
outstanding partnerships.

For More Information, Contact:
Grace Waldron, Community Engagement Coordinator
(706) 905-8348
waldron.grace@columbusga.or

Help Feed Local Families This Thanksgiving: Join the Columbus Civic Center Food Drive!
[Columbus, Georgia, November 6, 2025] – The Columbus Civic Center, in partnership with Keep Columbus
Beautiful and The Community Warriors, invites everyone to join in the spirit of giving this holiday season by participating
in the Thanksgiving Food Drive.

This year’s food drive aims to help feed local families in need and give thanks to our community by spreading kindness and
compassion throughout Columbus.

Every can, box, or frozen item makes a difference. Donations will be used directly to help local families enjoy a warm and
hearty Thanksgiving meal. All proceeds will be given to Feeding the Valley, which will help distribute food to families in
need throughout our community.

Accepted Donations Include:
• Canned Goods: Soups, vegetables, fruits, beans, and more
• Boxed Foods: Stuffing, rice, pasta, cereal, and similar items
• Frozen Foods: Vegetables, family meals, and other frozen items
• Frozen Turkeys and Hams — Most Needed!
Please ensure that all donations are sealed and not expired.

Donation Drop-Off Details:
• Location: Columbus Civic Center – 400 4th Street, Columbus, GA 31901
• Dates: November 6 – November 14, 2025
• Times: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Drop-Off Spots: Administration Office (left side of the building) or Box Office

With your help, we can make Thanksgiving brighter for families across our community. Join us in giving thanks by giving
back — because together, we can make a difference.

For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Babin, Marketing Manager
babin.jennifer@columbusga.org | (706) 225-4843

Keep Columbus Beautiful to Host Free Drive-Thru Paper Shredding & Shoe
Recycling Event
[Columbus, Georgia, November 4, 2025] – The Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission (KCBC) will
host a Drive-Thru Free Paper Shredding and Shoe Recycling Event on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 9:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in front of the City Services Center (3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, GA).
Shred-A-Way Management will be on-site providing secure paper shredding services at no cost to residents. This
is the perfect time of year to safely dispose of unwanted documents, reduce paper clutter, and help protect your
identity.
There is a limit of three boxes per car, and three-ring binders, external hard drives, and metal materials will not be
accepted.
In addition to shredding, residents are encouraged to donate gently used shoes as part of KCBC’s ongoing Shoe
Recycling Campaign, which runs through January 25, 2026. Donating shoes helps reduce waste sent to local
landfills while supporting developing countries in need through repurposing and reuse initiatives.
For more information about this event or to learn how your organization can host a shoe recycling bin, please
contact Keep Columbus Beautiful at 706-225-4008 or email kcbc1987@columbusga.org

Columbus-Muscogee County prepares for Severe Weather Preparedness Day November 5, 2025

[Columbus, Georgia, November 4, 2025] – The Columbus-Muscogee County Emergency Management
and Homeland Security Department, in partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the
National Weather Service, is preparing to participate on November 5th in Georgia’s Severe Weather Preparedness
Day. All schools, businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate in a severe weather exercise/tornado
drill around 9:30 a.m.
“Severe Weather Preparedness is a great opportunity for our community to create or review their emergency plans
and to make sure that we all know what to do should a severe weather strike Columbus.” said ColumbusMuscogee County EMA and Homeland Security Director Chance Corbett. “We encourage residents to have
multiple ways to receive alerts and to know in advance where they will seek shelter during a severe weather
incident.”
As individuals and families prepare for this day, schools and businesses will be conducting their own severe
weather exercise/tornado drills, which will be activated by the NOAA Weather Radio's routine weekly
Wednesday test around 9:30 a.m. followed by the immediate test activation of Columbus’s Outdoor Warning
Sirens.
Columbus residents can prepare for severe weather by visiting www.columbusga.gov/emergency
or by using GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia campaign as it offers resources and information residents can use to be
informed about potential threats. Citizens can also develop a communications plan and create an emergency
Ready kit. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom
emergency plan and Ready kit.
Employers can use the Ready Your Business guide to create custom contingency plans, and children can visit the
ReadyKids page for age-appropriate information, videos and games at https://gema.georgia.gov/planprepare/ready-georgia/get-ready-kids

Veterans Day Parade to Honor Service Members in Uptown Columbus –November 8th

[Columbus, Georgia, November 3, 2025] – The annual Tri-City Veterans Day Parade will step off at 10
a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, from Dillingham Street in Phenix City, proceeding down Broad Street and crossing the 13th
Street Bridge into Uptown Columbus.

The parade will feature local organizations, veterans associations, city leaders, marching bands, dance teams and
more in celebration of those who have served.

Residents are encouraged to line Broadway in Columbus for the best viewing experience and to show their support
for local veterans.

For more information, visit www.columbusga.gov/parks or follow Columbus Parks and Recreation on Facebook.
For More Information, Contact:
Grace Waldron, Parks and Recreation Community Engagement Coordinator

Columbus Parks and Recreation Hosts Two Thanksgiving Food Drives to Support Local Families

[Columbus, Georgia, November 3, 2025] – Columbus Parks and Recreation is inviting residents to share
the spirit of giving this holiday season by participating in two Thanksgiving food drives to help families in need
across the community.

The first food drive will collect donations throughout November at multiple recreation centers, including Comer
Community Center, Columbus Aquatic Center, Tillis Recreation Center and Northside Recreation Center. The
second drive will take place at the Frank Chester Senior Center, 1441 Benning Dr., from November 1 to 22

.
All donations will benefit Muscogee County and surrounding residents, helping provide Thanksgiving meals and
pantry staples for local families. Community members are encouraged to donate nonperishable items such as
canned vegetables, boxed stuffing, pasta, rice and peanut butter.

“Some families in our community are struggling to put food on the table right now,” said Rene Knowles,
Supervisor of Northside Recreation Center. “Food prices have gone up significantly, and many families
are finding it harder to stretch their grocery budgets. With our neighbors' help to ensure everyone has
enough to eat, it strengthens our whole community– we all thrive together.”

Donation bins will be available at all listed centers during normal operating hours. Items will be collected and
distributed before Thanksgiving week to ensure timely delivery to local families.

For more information, visit www.columbusga.gov/parks or follow Columbus Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

For More Information, Contact:
Grace Waldron, Parks and Recreation Community Engagement Coordinator
(706) 905-8348
waldron.grace@columbusga.or