WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The city of Warner Robins is working towards becoming what they call a live, work, play community. Part of the plan includes adding more green space.
Keep Warner Robins Beautiful received a $750,000 federal grant they say will add to the city's beauty, health, and safety. The grant is the largest in the organization's history.
Dmitri Walker hit the walking trails, taking advantage of this windy Wednesday.
"It's just nice to be able to feel the breeze, take my time away from everyday life," Walker shared.
He says the breezy weather and shade from trees makes his walk more enjoyable.
"Being in Georgia, it's always hot. I'm from Minnesota. I'm used to snow," he said.
Now, Keep Warner Robins Beautiful has a plan to help ease the Georgia heat.
"We don't have much of an urban forest," says KRWB Manager, Tiffany Bowen.
So over the next four years, Bowen says the organization will bring more shade through green space.
"The old oak trees that were left on Perkins Park, those used to create such a beautifully shaded environment from the farmers market," Bowen shared.
The field is pretty bare now, and the trees are cut back, making cities hot in the summer.
"That's something that we're hoping to change," Bowen said.
More tree coverage will lower temps and make city parks more safe and enjoyable across 12 different areas. Bowen says this includes parks like Memorial Park, Perkins Field, McArthur Park, and Alex Ferguson Memorial Park.
"Risk assessments are going to be done on trees that are there currently, and anything that's a risk will be removed and replaced," Bowen said.
Deloris Tolliver Park is one of those spots. On Wednesday, you could see trees that had broken throughout the park.
More green space can also help with flooding, Bowen says they will start in Commercial Circle along roadways and parking lots.
"Water can then penetrate anywhere there is soil, so it helps to rundown the runoff much quicker," Bowen shared.
She says the grant will phase out over four years. The first year will be dedicated to removing impervious surfaces, which are those areas that Bowen referenced where water can't soak into the soil.
The second year they will begin planting new trees.
Plus, Bowen and Dmitri agree that nice greenery improves moods.
"When the weather changes with the different scenery, it's something to look forward to," Walker said.
Right now, the grant will only fund public property and city-owned land. Bowen says they are looking for more money that could bring more green space to your neighborhood or business.
If you want more trees at your yard or business, KWRB is holding a seedling giveaway on Arbor day.