Play Bio - Councilman Jim Maddox

The Honorable Jim Maddox

Councilmember- District 11

City of Atlanta

A native Atlantan, Councilman Jim Maddox’s first playground memory was around the age of three at the Spelman College Nursery. His mother, an employee of Spelman College at the time; took him to the Nursery while she worked.  Councilman Maddox says he grew up in a poor community and there were no playgrounds near his home. However, as he got older he would walk to Washington Park with friends and siblings. Because of segregation, this was the only park, in the area, where African Americans could swim and play.  The kids also enjoyed using the swings, slide, merry-go-round and other playground equipment at Washington Park. Otherwise, outdoor play was the usual childhood games playing outside around the neighborhood.

As an adult, Councilman Maddox served as a Troop Leader for Boy Scouts of America. Although, they did not visit playgrounds he enjoyed exposing the boys to hiking, and other structured outdoor activities. Throughout his tenure in the City Council, Councilman Maddox has supported various City of Atlanta recreation centers, park openings and renovations. He has been serving on the Board of the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA for 30 years. Councilmember Maddox believes that safe and supervised areas of play (playgrounds) are just as needed today for the children of Atlanta as they were when he grew up.

Jim Maddox is currently serving his eighth consecutive term in office, and is at present, the standing Dean of the Atlanta City Council. Mr. Maddox has also served as Campaign Public Affairs Director for United Way of Metro Atlanta and was the Contract Administrator for Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Corporation for 34 years.