Jimmy Davis Park

Eatonton City Councilmember Janie Reid (right) addressed the Putnam County Commission last Friday, praising the efforts of Beyond the Bell Executive Director Sandra Dean to establish educational programs for kids at Jimmy Davis Park. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton City Councilmember Janie Reid (right) addressed the Putnam County Commission last Friday, praising the efforts of Beyond the Bell Executive Director Sandra Dean to establish educational programs for kids at Jimmy Davis Park. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Commissioners hear Jimmy Davis Park plans

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 11, 2025
The Sept. 5 Putnam County Board of Commissioners meeting focused on a proposed afterschool and summer enrichment program, as well as several land use and infrastructure issues.Commissioners Tom McElhenney (District 1), Richard Garrett (Dist. 2), Stephen Hersey (Dist.
JDP council member Patricia Bailey makes a point about a proposed initiative to donate school supplies. IAN TOCHER/Staff

JDP council member Patricia Bailey makes a point about a proposed initiative to donate school supplies. IAN TOCHER/Staff

JDP advisory council leadership challenged

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
The Jimmy Davis Park Partnership Advisory Council held a scheduled meeting last Wednesday evening at the downtown Eatonton but county-owned and operated facility at 125 Hogan Boulevard, led by appointed advisory council Chairperson Janie Reid, who is also an elected City of Eatonton councilmember.
Eatonton Mayor John Reid (left, in black) and citizen Don Sadler exchange words following last Tuesday’s Putnam County Commission meeting, with County Manager Paul Van Haute (far left), citizen Karen Garrett, and Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain looking on. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton Mayor John Reid (left, in black) and citizen Don Sadler exchange words following last Tuesday’s Putnam County Commission meeting, with County Manager Paul Van Haute (far left), citizen Karen Garrett, and Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain looking on. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Reid remains at center of JDP controversy

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Just like July 4th, the fireworks intensified as the night wore on last Tuesday at the second of two routinely scheduled monthly Putnam County Commission meetings.
Hannah Erickson (center, kneeling) led an eager PCHS Beta Club crew in a major planting project to help beautify Jimmy Davis Park while eventually providing added privacy to nearby neighbors. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Hannah Erickson (center, kneeling) led an eager PCHS Beta Club crew in a major planting project to help beautify Jimmy Davis Park while eventually providing added privacy to nearby neighbors. IAN TOCHER/Staff

PCHS Beta Club plants for future at JDP

Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Jimmy Davis Park officially reopened last November, but work continues to make it a facility that all of Eatonton and Putnam County can be proud of and eager to visit.
Jimmy Davis Park Partnership Advisory Council Chair Janie Reid provided a rendering of a proposed sign to recognize the former Brown Bombers baseball field that now makes up a large portion of the park near downtown Eatonton. CONTRIBUTED

Jimmy Davis Park Partnership Advisory Council Chair Janie Reid provided a rendering of a proposed sign to recognize the former Brown Bombers baseball field that now makes up a large portion of the park near downtown Eatonton. CONTRIBUTED

Proposal brings ‘Brown Bombers’ back to Jimmy Davis Park

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
The Jimmy Davis Park Partnership Advisory Council (PAC) met last Tuesday evening to discuss a proposal by PAC Chair Janie Reid to build and dedicate a new sign at the park less than a mile south of downtown Eatonton.
City of Eatonton Councilmember Janie Reid holds the bow high after Putnam County Chairman Bill Sharp (holding scissors beside her) cut the ribbon on Saturday to officially reopen Jimmy Davis Park, south of downtown. IAN TOCHER/Staff

City of Eatonton Councilmember Janie Reid holds the bow high after Putnam County Chairman Bill Sharp (holding scissors beside her) cut the ribbon on Saturday to officially reopen Jimmy Davis Park, south of downtown. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Jimmy Davis Park officially reopens

Ian Tocher
Thursday, November 14, 2024
A brief ceremony Saturday morning officially recognized the reopening of the refurbished Jimmy Davis Park (JDP) in southeast Eatonton.
On Monday, Feb. 12, playset option one was revealed via Putnam County’s Facebook page as the top vote-getter at the meeting. Installation at Jimmy Davis Park is expected to begin within weeks. CONTRIBUTED

On Monday, Feb. 12, playset option one was revealed via Putnam County’s Facebook page as the top vote-getter at the meeting. Installation at Jimmy Davis Park is expected to begin within weeks. CONTRIBUTED

JDP playground option chosen at meeting

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Three playset options were presented Feb. 9 in a special county council meeting for Eatonton-Putnam County residents to consider for installation at the recently refurbished Jimmy Davis Park (JDP), near downtown Eatonton.
Carrying signs and wearing t-shirts emblazoned with Save Jimmy Davis Park, more than 200 people marched up Eatonton’s Jefferson Avenue.

Carrying signs and wearing t-shirts emblazoned with Save Jimmy Davis Park, more than 200 people marched up Eatonton’s Jefferson Avenue.

JDP supporters march to courthouse steps

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
The resurrection of Jimmy Davis Park received a very public show of support Saturday morning as more than 200 local residents marched the mile from the park to a rally on the Putnam County Courthouse lawn in downtown Eatonton.
Glass in the entry doors of the community center at Jimmy Davis Park is shattered and scattered on the walkway after a rock was thrown through the doors. The rock was discovered all the way across the interior room, suggesting it slid that far when thrown, authorities say. CONTRIBUTED/EPD

Glass in the entry doors of the community center at Jimmy Davis Park is shattered and scattered on the walkway after a rock was thrown through the doors. The rock was discovered all the way across the interior room, suggesting it slid that far when thrown, authorities say. CONTRIBUTED/EPD

Jimmy Davis Park vandalized twice over weekend

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
A “Save Jimmy Davis Park” rally and social event were held Saturday. Ironically, the park was vandalized the day before and again the day after the events, according to authorities.
Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

BOC: Jimmy Davis Park, de-annexation

Rufus Adair
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
The whirlwind refurbishing of Jimmy Davis Park provided almost the entire feature of last Friday’s first monthly meeting of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners.
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