According to Emergency Management officials, the National Weather Service is forecasting prolonged periods of extreme heat, with heat index values expected to exceed 105 degrees over the coming days and possibly weeks. These conditions significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Residents who need relief from the heat are encouraged to visit Columbus Parks and Recreation facilities during normal business hours. Most facilities are open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with limited hours available on Saturdays. Community members are welcome to come inside, cool down, and stay safe during these high-temperature periods.

The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new online registration and reservation system on Monday, September 14, 2026. Designed with our community in mind, this secure, mobile-friendly platform makes connecting with your favorite local programs and facilities faster and easier than ever.

Starting September 14th, residents can visit our website too:

• Register for activities: Quickly sign up for youth and adult recreation programs, athletics, camps, and special events.
• Reserve spaces: Book park shelters and select facilities online.
• Manage accounts: Purchase memberships, make secure online payments, and view program schedules in one place.

A Public Information Open House is scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2026, to discuss the Columbus Consolidated Government’s proposed improvements for Forrest Road and Morris Road. The meeting will be held at the East Columbus Boys & Girls Club, 3835 Forrest Road, in Columbus. The public is invited to attend any time between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. No formal presentation will be given.

The Georgia Department of Transportation has scheduled overnight paving along Buena Vista Road beginning Monday, August 3.

Crews will work Monday through Friday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for approximately two weeks, weather permitting. Work will extend from Steam Mill Road to Dogwood Drive and include milling the existing roadway and installing new asphalt.

Temporary lane elosures will occur throughout the work zone. Motorists should expect delays, drive cautiously, and consider alternate routes when traveling through the area overnight.

For more information, contact Penny Brooks with the Georgia DOT TIA Program at 770-309-8544 or pebrooks@dot.ga.gov.

The Columbus Consolidated Government is now accepting online applications for the 2026 Citizens Government Academy, an interactive program designed to give residents and local business owners a closer look at how their local government operates.

The 2026 Academy will be held on Thursday evenings from September 3 through November 12, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sessions will take place at various Columbus Consolidated Government facilities.

Participation is limited to 30 individuals. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must either reside in Muscogee County or own or operate a business within the county. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply early. Applications must be completed online at https://columbusga.gov/communityaffairs/Citizens-Government- Academy/CGA-Application

The application deadline is August 14, 2026, or until all available spaces have been filled. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Selected participants will receive official confirmation from the Columbus Consolidated Government.

For additional information, contact the Communications Department at ccgcommunications@columbusga.org