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    Ray Charles Plaza Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Ray Charles Plaza

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    Musical notes that are both obvious and not so obvious are all throughout the park.
    Richard R.

    Albany is a small town in lower Georgia that is the 9th largest city in the state (by population) according to 2012 reports. One of its most notable native sons is singer/songwriter Ray Charles Robinson (bet ya didn't know Charles was NOT his last name). -------------- - - - - Ray Charles is one of thee most recognizable artists in our countries history, so much so that he was ranked number ten on Rolling Stones Greatest Artists of all time and number two on its Greatest Singers. His achievements have been many, but in Georgia, he is beloved and immortalized by having "Georgia on my Mind" as our official state song: It plays at many state run events and also during the laser show @ Stone Mountain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thls_tMuFkc Albany has been going through a revitalization of its Downtown and a great deal of sprucing up has been done along the Flint River. It offers a variety of things to see and things to do starting at the Flint RiverQuarium all the way down to the Albany Arch on Oglethorpe Blvd. This quarter mile stroll along the river is called Riverfront Park. Located here is Albany's Welcome Center a.k.a the Historic Bridge House built in 1858 by former slave Horace King. Horace is probably not known by most Americans, and it's a real tragedy because his story is one for the books. I highlighted some of it in my Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge review: http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-oak-creek-covered-bridge-woodbury?hrid=CavIunzkcdi5LPRW9vDS-A THE RAY CHARLES PLAZA is well done! I love the beauty of it and how Ray playing on his piano is the centerpiece surrounded by a walking trail designed to look like a piano keyboard. If you look closely you will also notice musical notes scattered about. His music also plays over speakers hidden throughout the park. -------------- - - - - THE VERDICT As an African-American father, it's part of my duty to show my children prominent figures that are not really mentioned in their school education. Bringing them to Riverfront Park allows me to build some appreciation of the heritage of blacks in our country. Ray Charles Plaza and The Bridge House provide a great opportunity for stories of both struggle and triumph no matter if you were enslaved or blind. You can achieve and overcome any obstacle, so for me this is not just another celebrity sculpture... it's a teaching tool.

    Greg E.

    Simply put...AMAZING Richard R. gave a great review about Ray Charles and this Plaza. The only thing that I will add is that it sits across from the Hilton Garden Inn. My only gripe? It is starting to becoming noticeably corroded. However, that doesn't detract from the experience. Another tidbit that I will add is that this statue was sculpted primarily by Andy Davis. Mr. Davis was perhaps one of the best known sculptors during his time for the state of Georgia. He was injured in an automobile accident when he was hit from behind on his motorcycle by a drunk driver in McDonough. He passed away from his injuries a couple of days later at the age of 53. There are a couple of Gazebos so why not come outside and have a great picnic with a significant other while listening to those fine Ray Charles melodies.

    Bright sunny Thursday morning with Ray entertaining just me!

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    This is a very nice and clean park.. and if you like water it sits by the water... it's beautiful.

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    Dougherty County Public Library

    Dougherty County Public Library

    2.3(3 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    This library has such potential because it's massive. I get it, it's a public place but it smells…read morelike straight up urine and is a meeting ground for the homeless in the lobby. The staff are super sweet but I wish the cleanliness of the place was well kept. I just felt gross in there the entire time. Book selection is okay. Everything kinda seemed all over the place but it is what it is.

    It is a fairly good library located in the heart of the downtown area. I've been coming to this…read morelibrary for many years and it has gone through some major renovations. Now it looks better than ever. Most of the time I come here whenever I have to accomplish a research paper or project for school, but I do visit to read and check out books on occasion.Upon scrolling through some of my photographs I know that I don't look like the bookworm type of person based on my hideous black ugly-looking face, but I do enjoy reading and learning about things. I especially enjoy reading mind-stimulating books, encyclopedias, and historical books about the past. You can never have too much knowledge. The library is quiet most of the time but sometimes women will bring their young children with them and it can really disturb my studying. I wish that some of the mothers would take better control of their kids. Damn bad ass kids keeping up all that noise and shit. If they were my kids I'd put a good old fashioned leather belt to their behinds. Anyway, as far as parking is concerned, the library does have a small but cramped parking lot. There is also free street parking for up to two hours. After two hours it is recommended that you get a pass from the circulation desk to avoid getting ticketed. However, the parking rule is rarely enforced so you may get away with it on most days.

    Ray Charles Plaza - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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