Statesboro Reopens Beloved Whitesville Park After Years of Closure

The $1.2 million renovation project, funded by federal ARPA dollars, brings new life to a community gathering space.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:07pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a sun-dappled playground, with blurred shapes and colors suggesting swings, slides, and other play equipment, all captured in a soft, dreamy, out-of-focus style.The revitalized Whitesville Park will provide a safe, welcoming space for the Statesboro community to gather and enjoy recreational activities.Statesboro Today

The City of Statesboro will celebrate the reopening of Whitesville Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony next week, marking the completion of a major renovation project that restores the longtime neighborhood park after it had been closed since 2016 due to aging infrastructure and maintenance issues. The $1.2 million in upgrades, funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, include a new playground, refurbished basketball court, modern restrooms, and covered pavilions.

Why it matters

Whitesville Park has long served as a vital community gathering space for the Statesboro neighborhood, and its closure had deprived residents, especially local youth, of access to recreational amenities. The park's revitalization represents an investment in the community's wellbeing and a commitment to providing safe, welcoming public spaces that honor the area's history.

The details

After the property was transferred to the city in 2022, officials moved forward with plans to restore Whitesville Park using $1.2 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds. The renovation project included the installation of a new playground, refurbishment of the basketball court, construction of modern restroom facilities, and the addition of covered pavilions throughout the park.

  • Whitesville Park had been closed since 2016 due to aging infrastructure and maintenance issues.
  • The property was transferred to the city in 2022, allowing officials to begin the renovation project.
  • The $1.2 million renovation project, funded by ARPA, was completed in early 2026.
  • The ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the park's reopening is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

The players

City of Statesboro

The local government entity responsible for overseeing the renovation and reopening of Whitesville Park.

Whitesville Community

The neighborhood in Statesboro that has long relied on Whitesville Park as a gathering space and recreational amenity.

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What’s next

City officials and community members will gather for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at Whitesville Park on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the park's reopening and renewed role as a neighborhood gathering space.

The takeaway

The revitalization of Whitesville Park represents a significant investment in the Statesboro community, restoring access to recreational amenities and demonstrating the city's commitment to providing safe, welcoming public spaces that serve residents of all ages. This project highlights the importance of maintaining and upgrading neighborhood parks as vital community assets.