An Inside look on WR’s sports complex arena

 Recently, Warner Robins has been on the move to revamp their recreation facilities after a data analysis addressed how behind the tenth largest incorporated city in Georgia was in relation to other municipalities. Back in 2019, the city broke ground on the project. After two years of planning and construction, the North Houston Sports Complex located on 900 North Houston Road has opened its doors. Planning to accommodate various kinds of events and foster growth, Jarred Reneau, Director of Parks and Recreation for Warner Robins, spoke with the Houston Home Journal on key components of the long awaited sports facility.

Reneau has spearheaded 12 different parks and recreation projects since his time as director beginning in 2016. One of the most notable projects, the new sports complex, has demonstrated just what the city of Warner Robins has the potential of being. With the final cost of $18 million, the multi-sport complex has the ability to host a variety of sports and events simultaneously. Complete with four full-sized basketball courts that can be made into eight volleyball courts, 12 indoor pickleball courts, four baseball fields (with the plan to convert additional green space into five more fields) a walking track and two fitness areas, sports fanatics from all over have started looking at the facility as the next new desired location.

“People are coming from all around us because we are centrally located,” revealed Reneau. With the two center courts being wide open and allowing for a spacious area, he mentioned that he has received inquiries about the facility hosting national wrestling and cheer competitions, even tossing the idea of having an option for roller derby. Reneau also mentioned that Zumba classes are already in the works, along with many other types of dancing. “There are so many things that can go on inside there. But the main ones are basketball, volleyball and pickleball right now.”

Teams are already beginning to utilize the newly constructed facility. Macon’s Tsunami Central Georgia volleyball coach, Matt Wilson, began conducting practice on the indoor courts and plans to continue being there multiple days throughout each week. The Tsunami is a local volleyball travel club offering various skill level opportunities from ages 10 to 18, focusing on developing skills toward the fastest growing women’s sport in the country. 

“Now, with the wonderful facility here in Warner Robins, we have the ability to potentially even offer some adult leagues,” shared Wilson. “We’ve had a lot of interest already, and we’ve love to have that opportunity for the community.”

Attracting coaches like Wilson, Reneau expressed that the facility’s main purpose is for outreach. “This is all about not only the citizens of Warner Robins, but economic development. So, we look forward to hosting people from out of town.” He listed off several organizations and entities interested in utilizing the advantages of the complex from even other states. “We’re excited that we can truly be a hub now.”

The new sports complex has the potential for vast economic growth for the city. With sporting events’ popularity, the number of visitors from various locations could increase an exponential amount, boosting the city’s economy for travel and tourism. 

Though the complex has courts and fields galore, the facility offers much more than hosting sporting events like practices and tournaments. Reneau also shared that there is a concession stand and mentioned the layout of the complex includes an activities room to host ceramics classes and senior activities such as quilting, ichiban, board games, bingo night and social clubs. Of course, the room isn’t limited to those options, providing endless opportunities.

Another notable feature of the complex is the three banquet rooms. With the option to be rented out, anyone can use the space for whatever events suits them, with the capability of opening all three into one large room.

Reneau shared that they will announce the ribbon-cutting day in the near future. As for the general public, he informed that the facility will open up the first full week in May for use, with a fee. 

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