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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - According to a release from the City of Albany, the City of Albany has been recognized with the 2026 Visionary City Award from the Georgia Municipal Association and Georgia Trend for its innovative approach to urban planning and community partnership.

Modern Facility Transforms South Albany

The award honors Albany’s reopening of the Charles Driskell Park Community Center, a transformation that replaced a decades-old facility with a modern, accessible space designed to serve residents of all ages.

Built in the 1950s, the original center had become outdated and unable to meet the city’s current programming needs. The reimagined facility is now fully ADA-compliant and features dedicated areas and programs for youth, families, and seniors.

“Albany’s reinvestment in Driskell Park shows how listening to residents and prioritizing access can restore trust and strengthen neighborhoods,” said Larry Hanson, CEO and Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association. “This project reflects a meaningful commitment to community-driven progress.”

A Vision for the Future

Mayor Bo Dorough emphasized that the Driskell Park project represents just the beginning of a broader revitalization effort.

“This project is a testament to our commitment to revitalize South Albany and better serve our citizens,” Dorough said. “We will, in the coming years, be submitting additional projects for consideration, as Charles Driskell Park and Community Center is the beginning of a new era for Albany Recreation and Parks Department.”

Ward 3 Commissioner Vilnis Gaines praised the project’s impact on the local community. “We are honored to receive this award and thrilled to see the Charles Driskell Park Community Center fostering positive change in the Southwest Albany community,” Gaines said.

Community-Centered Development

The award recognizes Albany in the Large Cities Category, highlighting the city’s collaborative approach to urban renewal. The project demonstrates how meaningful engagement with residents can drive thoughtful planning and create spaces that strengthen neighborhoods and build trust within communities.

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