WARNER ROBINS — City officials and community members gathered at Deloris Toliver Park off Wallace Road in Warner Robins Wednesday morning to break ground on renovations and celebrate children having a new place to play.
Children in Warner Robins are out of school for the summer and enjoying time off at Deloris Toliver Park, but the park has fallen into disrepair.
Gloria Johnson grew up going to the park and says it's time for a change.
"There is no space, there is not enough space to hold all the kids that are eager to go and have something and do something," Johnson said.
Johnson says she has been advocating for the park's renovations for the past two years.
"Mayor Randy Toms and the council heard our cry, and when they decided to do the renovations for the park, Deloris was put on the list," Johnson said.
According to Warner Robins parks director Jarred Reneau, the project will cost $2.4 million and will be completed in eight months or less.
Once the park is complete, there will be a new gym, a new splash pad, a police precinct, and a new playground.
Johnson says this project will help children relax in their own backyard.
"This is home for this neighborhood, so why would I want to go to another park when I know I have a park in my own neighborhood," Johnson asked.
Curtis Davis takes his grandkids to play often at the park and the local Boys and Girls Club is also located there.
"To remodel this building and upgrade it would be beautiful for the children," Davis said.
Davis is thankful and Williams says she thankful to Warner Robins, and to one man who helped make the project possible.
"Hallelujah, praise to God. I'm going to praise his name because he made it happen and set it in motion," Johnson said.
Johnson also said once the renovations are complete, she hopes to offer tutoring for community students there.