Warner Robins council right to take its time on complex
The Warner Robins City Council, on the verge of committing $22 million to what will be the most expensive recreation project in the city’s history, got cold feet. But when it comes to talking about a sports complex in Warner Robins — cold feet is the order of the decade, or should we say decades? Former mayors Donald Walker, Chuck Shaheen and now Randy Toms, have had it on their to-do lists. Money was set aside years ago and work was started and land cleared, only to have the locations deemed unsuitable. The area now under consideration is yet another site not connected with previous sites at Houston Road and Elberta Road. The complex could include nine baseball/softball fields and a 43,000-square-foot building with two basketball gyms and an indoor walking track. And there has been talk that with the expansion of the baseball/softball facilities, the complex could be a draw for major softball tournaments. There was evidence of that years ago when the Flag City Shootout would attract 400 teams. However, most tournaments in this era draw 60 to 70 teams. That’s still nothing to sneeze at and could bring significant economic benefits to the area.
A little history: At its inception, most of the complex site work was to be done by city workers. The entire project’s estimated cost was $4.5 million. The 2016 version has morphed into something much greater with a much larger price tag. Still, after such a long wait there’s nothing wrong with the council stepping back for a short recess to assure they are moving in the right direction. However, they should learn from past councils that due diligence carried too far is simply delay. It’s not everyday you get a chance to build a project that will be around for the next half century. Council is starting to come to the realization that its citizens want more amenities. And we believe they understand that one complex can’t be everything to everybody.
Some would like football fields for youth leagues, others want basketball courts and baseball fields, some want an Olympic-size swimming pool or volleyball courts or tennis courts. There are those who would like to see more than the three planned passive parks, while others want a skate park. The nonprofit Wellston Trees & Greens isn’t letting any grass grow under its feet in developing Wellston Park on donated land. Initial plans call for a dog park, amphitheater, classroom building and walking trails. When originally presenting the idea to council, the only aspect that drew questions was the amphitheater, but that was before the land was cleared and council members and the mayor were able to get a clear picture of the topography. Other entities in the city may decide to step up, too. Council also has to remember how the sports complex fits in with the larger overall recreation plan. Of course citizens see this as a golden opportunity to get their favorite recreational pastime on the list, but maybe that pastime would be better suited for one of the city’s other parks? And as we have already noted, prior councils have failed to push the start button and the results are obvious.
The councilmen should look around the city to see what the area is lacking. Is there a public competition-size swimming pool? Does the area need more baseball diamonds or tennis courts? What about an indoor/outdoor track? We don’t know what facilities are needed or wanted, but we can attest to one requirement. The citizens of Warner Robins have been waiting a long time for top notch recreation facilities. Whatever amenities are included should reflect the pride of the city’s residents. In other words, now is not the time to do what other councils have done. Kick the can is not a recognized sport outside of political circles.
This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 8:29 PM with the headline "Warner Robins council right to take its time on complex."