Founded in 1908, Tift Park is the oldest park in Albany, Georgia. Once home to the Tift Park Zoo, after the animals were were relocated in 1975 to a more humane facility, the park was largely abandoned and forgotten by both the city and the community. In 2014, Friends of Tift Park was established with the mission to preserve, protect and promote the historic site. The park is now home to the Tift Park Community Market—once held under the shade oak trees along the Historic Carriage Trail, but when the park and its facilities suffered extensive storm damage in 2017, the City allowed the community to re-purpose the tennis courts into storefront area that will now be the Market’s permanent home.

Tift Park is conveniently located in the heart of Albany’s historic district, an area full of sidewalks, walking trails, city bus stops, and plenty of parking for visitors. Adding to the space’s comfort and image, the park receives weekly cleaning and maintenance from Friends of Tift Park, who also participate in a quarterly, volunteer-led, Stash the Trash program. The park has a number of shelters that community members can use for special events, and it hosts diverse programming throughout the year, such as “doggie days,” Community Reunion Day, and Christmas in July. Along with the weekly Community Market, these events draw hundreds of people, both locals and visitors, to the area every Saturday. Once an inactive public space that had fallen into disrepair, Tift Park is now home to a vibrant local scene.

Website: Tift Park Community Market

Facebook: Tift Park Community Market