The Grand Plaza Park

The Grand Plaza Park is a gathering spot in historic downtown Fitzgerald. A venue for performances,
life-size chess games, picnics or simple meditation, the Park also pays homage to the history and architecture of Fitzgerald.

The iron columns throughout the Park are from the Empire Hotel which sat on this spot for nearly 90 years. The columns along PineStreet stand in their original location.

The brick arch is a faithful recreation of the side entrance. The arbor trusses were salvaged from Monitor High, which closed when the schools were integrated in the sixties.

The ornate signposts originally lit the entry to Fitzgerald’s first high school which survived 94 years before succumbing to arson.

Glass block, neon and ice cream parlor tables evoke the art deco era of the Grand Theatre across the street from the Park, while the fountain maintains the motif of the double-arched second story downtown windows. An original hitching post and granite benches made from Fitzgerald’s first curbing further recall the past.

Flowers, trees and greenery, including topiaries depicting Union and Confederate generals shaking hands and the Burmese chicken, signify the rich quality of life for which Fitzgerald is known.