Warner Robins begins planning Perkins Park redevelopment

The October planning package will include renderings, detailed plans for key areas and a preliminary stormwater study at no cost to the city.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Warner Robins has started planning the future redevelopment of Perkins Park, including possible recreational improvements and stormwater projects.

The city said in a news release Monday it expects the planning phase to be completed in October. It will produce park renderings, detailed plans for key areas and a preliminary study of how water moves through the property.

The release did not announce a construction budget, funding for the redevelopment itself or a timeline for work beyond the planning phase.

Formerly known as Perkins Field, the property on Mulberry Street, not far from City Hall, was once used as a baseball facility. It has since become the site of events like Food Truck Roundups, the International City Festival and Trunk-or-Treat celebrations.

“The success of these events has demonstrated the park’s potential as a community destination while also highlighting the need for enhanced amenities and infrastructure to support year-round use,” the release said.

The city says the planning project will consider amenities that could support daily recreation and public events throughout the year. It will also examine ways to reduce flooding and runoff in the Commercial Circle District.

“Perkins Park has already demonstrated its ability to bring people together, and this planning effort gives us the opportunity to envision how it can serve our community even more in the future,” Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said. “By looking at recreation, community gathering spaces, and stormwater management together, we can create a vision that supports both the quality of life of our residents and the long-term resilience of our community.”

According to the city, stormwater improvements at the park could also reduce downstream effects on Robins Air Force Base.

The release says the planning work is funded through the Defense Community Resilience Program administered through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and will come at no cost to the city.

Warner Robins says residents, City Council members and city staff will have opportunities to provide input, but the release did not include dates or details for public meetings.