Dive into the new Tommy Stalnaker Aquatic Center

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. – The new Tommy Stalnaker Aquatic Center officially opened on Monday, Feb. 12.

Many city leaders appeared Monday afternoon at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Board of Commissioners Chairman Dan Perdue, Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick, Perry Mayor Randall Walker, and Centerville Mayor John Harley. Former chairman of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, Tommy Stalnaker, also spoke at the event along with Perdue.

The ribbon cutting was held at the center, celebrating its grand opening and allowing visitors to have a tour. According to a media release, the center is approximately 39,000 square feet. 

It includes a 50-meter competition pool, which will be used for competition and lap swimming. This also consists of a 25-meter pool, which will be used for swimming classes, aqua aerobics, and additional water activities. The center also includes a classroom space. 

The center’s construction was a joint effort between the Houston County School District, Houston County Government, and the cities of Centerville, Perry, and Warner Robins. The center was funded by the Special Purpose Local Option sales tax, also known as SPLOST. 

Perdue said that the center was only possible with the approval of the 2018 SPLOST.

“This facility is a testament to what can be achieved when the government listens to citizen input and endeavors to solve a problem collaboratively. I’m so thankful to those who had the vision for this facility and to the citizens of Houston County for voting for the 2018 SPLOST to fund its development,” said Perdue.

Stalnaker also spoke during the event and thanked everyone involved in building the aquatic center. He especially thanked Perdue for making the project happen and putting the center together until the end.

Stalnaker began his career in 1972 and served as an employee for the county for 38 years. The citizens of Houston County then elected him as the Chairman of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, a position he served for 12 years.

He also mentions the mayors of every city in Houston County and their success in maintaining their cities.

“The three best mayors in the state of Georgia are Mayor John Harley, Mayor Randall Walker and Mayor Patrick: the three best mayors in the state of Georgia and in this county,” said Stalnaker.

He also recognized all retired and active military members, public safety, health care professionals, and education professionals, who he thinks are some of the most important people in the state.

Stalnaker also thanked the citizens of Houston County, assuring the public they will continue to improve their cities.

After the ribbon cutting, lifeguards were there to offer tours of the building to the attendees.

The Tommy Stalnaker Aquatic Center is located at 210 Cohen Walker Drive. It is open Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and reopens from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

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