You might have noticed a lot of extra activity going on in the railroad area of downtown Brookhaven. That’s because the Brookhaven Tourism Council has been busy working on a project in railroad park for the past few months. 

“The project should be complete by the end of this month,” said Jillian Ricceri, tourism director of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. “It includes string lighting in the magnolia trees with up lighting on each of the trees in Railroad Park.

“We also have outdoor games in railroad park for everyone to enjoy. A giant Connect Four and ladder ball, and two sets of cornhole games painted by local artist Derek Covington Smith from the Little Yellow Building Art Studio. They are beautiful!”

The council has also been building an 18-by-12 covered outdoor stage that will feature string lighting, up lighting and landscaping. “We hope to have live music on the stage weekly,” Ricceri said. “It will also be a great space for our entertainment during our downtown events such as the Ole Brook Festival.”

Council committee member Patrick Brown is excited about the changes. “The Railroad Park Project has been an inspiration of the Brookhaven Tourism Council for a few years,” he said. “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the downtown and attract visitors. We thought some type of stage or pavilion could promote and strengthen a small entertainment district for the arts. Just like you’d go to New Orleans and hear amazing musicians in the French Quarter, our idea was to have a place where local and visiting indie song artists, groups, and bands can play to the open public by reserving the space. “We’re appreciative of Brookhaven Parks and Recreation director Matt Shell for spearheading the design and implementation of the project.”

The first event to take place on the new stage in Railroad Park will be during one of the Brookhaven Tourism Council’s annual events, the Summer Concert Series, set for the months of May, June and July, and featuring the following:

May 7 – The Bridge Band

June 4 – Everyday People Band

July 2 – Mike Rob and the 601 Band

“We are excited to be able to provide a space downtown for our community and those visiting to enjoy live music, play some outdoor games and take in the beautiful sites of our downtown area,” Ricceri added. “I think the new stage and lighting is a great addition to downtown and will be enjoyed for many years to come.”