Ted Wright Park getting five new pavilions among upgrades

WARNER ROBINS—The city of Warner Robins Public Works Department threw literal shade at one of the city’s most popular parks last week, part of an ongoing effort to upgrade the city’s recreation.

The city began construction of five new pavilions at Ted Wright Park. The structures, funded by SPLOST, were built by a separate company, and the public works department prepared the grounds, according to Mayor LaRhonda Patrick.

“The answer is doing the pavilion, so we did five. Public works did this. Our guys were boots on the ground, putting down the concrete and we had another company that actually built up the pavilions,” Patrick explained.

Once the pavilions are built, the city will add more to make them into community lots, she mentioned.

“We’re getting benches under there; We’re getting grills and trash cans, and it’s going to be an even more happening spot in our community,” Patrick said.

Patrick also mentioned another crucial upgrade to the park in the pipeline: the park’s bathrooms.

“We’ll be tearing down that dreadful one that exists currently and putting in a nice one that has more than one stall for men and women. [We’re] looking forward to that addition, too,” Patrick said. 

She said as a mother taking her son to enjoy the park, she noticed kids and parents without shade or seating, prompting the upgrades. She also mentioned the park’s popularity, as it offers plenty of activities, such as an ADA-accessible playground, splash pad and pickleball courts.

“It gets the highest number of visitors for a regular park, and there’s no shade and no seating, so we needed to enhance that. You see people sitting on the grass all the time with no shade,” Patrick said.

According to Patrick, the new pavilions would be perfect for ensuring comfort at the park and providing spaces to celebrate.

“As a mom, I’d be much more comfortable if I could be under a pavilion and I can rent it for my son’s birthday, so that he can play and have a great time,” she said.

Patrick is hopeful the pavilions show the city’s drive to provide comfortable places for its smallest citizens.

“We are committed to making sure we listen to even our smallest constituents as well, to make sure they have a fun, safe place to play,” she said.

Patrick said Deloris Toliver Park is slated for pavilions and bathroom upgrades this fall. Ted Wright Park should have its pavilions completed within two weeks.

For more information on the city’s parks and recreation department, visit here.