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Houston County Parks by the Plan: Seven Ways to Get Outside
Got a free afternoon, HoCo? The hardest part of a park outing shouldn’t be deciding where to park the family. Whether you’re packing a picnic, looking for a paved walk or bringing a disc instead of a soccer ball, Perry, Warner Robins and Centerville have different ways to get outside.
Here’s a seven-park starting point, organized by what you want to do—not a “best parks” contest. Details last checked October 26, 2026. Hours below are local time; reservations, maintenance and weather can affect individual facilities.
Pick Your Kind of Park Day
- Disc golf and a little of everything: Rozar Park in Perry.
- A paved nature walk: Rotary Centennial Park in Perry.
- Pickleball and playground time: Creekwood Park in Perry.
- A small playground and shaded picnic tables: Barbara Calhoun Park in Perry.
- Playground, picnic pavilion and green space: Center Park in Centerville.
- Paved walkways and picnic areas: Fountain Park in Warner Robins.
- Playground and several sports options: Tanner Park in Warner Robins.
Leave the splash-pad plan for another season: Creekwood’s published 2026 season ended September 7, and Center Park closes its splash pad after Labor Day. Neither is a November water-play option.
Rozar Park: Bring the Disc, Bring the Picnic
1060 Keith Drive, Perry · 6 a.m.–sunset. Rozar pairs an 18-hole disc golf course with playgrounds, a picnic pavilion, basketball, soccer and baseball facilities. There are also two fishing ponds and a surrounding walking trail.
That makes it an option when your group’s wish list refuses to agree on one activity. If fishing is the plan, check applicable rules and licensing before bringing the tackle; this guide hasn’t verified those requirements. City of Perry’s Rozar Park details.
Rotary Centennial Park: Take the Scenic Route
650 General Courtney Hodges Boulevard, Perry. Paved trails follow Big Indian Creek through wetlands and botanical preserves, with shaded areas along the park setting. Perry describes the trails as accessible to people with disabilities; that’s the city’s description, not an independent accessibility audit.
The city estimates the Weleetka walk at 15 minutes one way and Whitetail at 40 minutes one way. Your pace—and the number of interesting things you stop to look at—gets a vote, too. Daily opening and closing hours weren’t established in the checked listing. Official trail and park information.
Creekwood Park: Courts, Play Equipment and a Trail Connection
110 Ida Lasseter Circle, Perry · 8 a.m.–sunset, seasonally. The city lists pickleball, football, softball and basketball facilities, play equipment, a large picnic pavilion and the White Tail trailhead. Organized programs use the park, so a listed field isn’t a promise of an empty field.
The splash pad is seasonal, not an all-year bonus. Its 2026 operating dates ended September 7. For the dry-land options, start with Creekwood’s city page.
Barbara Calhoun Park: Keep It Simple on Tucker Road
1802 Tucker Road, Perry · 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m. The “water tank park” has a small playground, tennis courts, restrooms and picnic tables under shade trees. Sometimes a picnic doesn’t need a complicated itinerary.
The city says the parking lot closes at 8:30 p.m., with an exception when the tennis courts are reserved. Don’t plan around an older, later closing time. Current Barbara Calhoun Park information.
Center Park: A Centerville Gathering Spot
103 E. Church Street, Centerville. Near North Houston Lake Boulevard and Gunn Road, Center Park offers open green space, a playground, picnic pavilion and restroom pavilion. The city lists the playground as open seven days a week; it doesn’t give general daily park hours on the checked page.
The splash pad’s season ends after Labor Day. Check the city’s park page and linked event calendar before a visit—an event day and an ordinary playground afternoon can call for different plans.
Fountain Park: Picnic and Paved Walkways
614 Kimberly Road, Warner Robins. The destination-supplied listing on Georgia’s official tourism website describes trees, two pavilions, picnic and play areas, and paved walkways.
It also lists a pool, but we haven’t verified its season or operating hours, so this isn’t a swimming recommendation. General park hours weren’t supplied in that listing either. Fountain Park’s official tourism listing includes the destination contact.
Tanner Park: Pack for Playground or Sports Time
200 Carl Vinson Parkway, Warner Robins. Tanner’s destination-supplied Explore Georgia listing includes a playground, picnic area, nature trail and restrooms, plus tennis, basketball, volleyball, baseball and soccer facilities.
Choose the activity first, then check availability if you’re counting on a particular court or field. Daily hours weren’t established in the listing. Tanner Park details and contact information.
Before You Head Out
We haven’t assumed admission, rental fees, restroom availability, accessibility or age suitability where the linked sources don’t establish them. Check with the park operator when one of those details makes or breaks your outing, and check current notices before leaving.
Pick the park that fits today’s plan, pack some water, and give the picnic blanket a reason to leave the closet.
Illustration: An original, AI-assisted park-day concept for Houston County Insider—not a photograph or map of a particular local park.
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Brantley Gilbert Plays Macon November 5: Give Thursday Some Weekend Energy!
HoCo country fans, Thursday has a louder option next week! Brantley Gilbert brings The Real American Tour to Macon’s Atrium Health Amphitheater on November 5, 2026, at 7 p.m., with special guests John Morgan and Atlus.
Making the trip from Warner Robins, Perry or Centerville? Put 3657 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon on the plan—and leave the lawn chair off the packing list. The venue says chairs aren’t allowed for this show.
Your phone, on the other hand, has a starring role: tickets are mobile-only. The venue recommends saving them to your phone wallet; the Ticketmaster app is another way to bring them up.
This is an outdoor, rain-or-shine event. Raincoats and ponchos are allowed. The posted policy says rain, delays or evacuation don’t qualify for refunds or exchanges; refunds apply if the event is canceled entirely.
Use the official event page for its ticket link and updates before you go. We haven’t verified current ticket prices or availability. Charge the phone, check the forecast closer to showtime, and let Thursday borrow a little weekend energy.
Original conceptual illustration of a Macon concert night; not a photograph of Brantley Gilbert, the event or the venue.
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Audi Plans a Peach County Plant: Houston County Has a Seat at the Table
HoCo, our neighbors in Peach County have a big name headed their way—and Houston County helped bring the announcement home. Audi plans to build its first U.S. manufacturing plant at the Middle Georgia Megasite in Peach County, with approximately $4 billion in investment and 4,500 planned jobs.
That’s a substantial set of plans, not a factory already turning out cars. Audi’s October 25 announcement anticipates production starting in the early 2030s, with premium SUVs intended for North American customers.
So where does Houston County fit in? Georgia’s announcement identifies Houston, Peach and Macon-Bibb counties as partners in the Mid-Georgia Gateway Joint Development Authority. The authority worked with Peach County’s development authority and the state to develop and market the megasite. This is a regional partnership—not a plant announced inside Houston County.
For families in Warner Robins, Perry and Centerville, the workforce piece is worth watching. Georgia says Quick Start will develop customized training with Audi and work with local Technical College System of Georgia campuses on instruction. Those are plans for preparing workers; the announced 4,500 jobs aren’t jobs already filled, and this announcement isn’t an invitation to apply today.
Audi also anticipates opportunities for regional suppliers, service providers and training partners. We don’t yet have specific local openings or supplier commitments to pass along, so keep the celebration separate from the job search.
For now, the useful takeaway is a big planned investment next door, with Houston County at the partnership table. Watch the linked official announcements for the next concrete milestones—the road from announcement to assembly line still has some distance to go.
Original conceptual illustration; not an Audi vehicle, site photograph or rendering of the planned factory.
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Perry’s Sweets & Treats Is October 30: Save Friday for Something Sweet!
HoCo, Friday’s downtown stroll comes with a sweet tooth! Sweets & Treats is coming to Historic Downtown Perry on October 30, 2026, from 4–6 p.m. The city’s announcement invites families to visit participating businesses for confections and festive surprises.
Put this one on Friday’s calendar—not Saturday’s Halloween schedule. That two-hour afternoon window is worth knowing before you coordinate pickup, meet up with friends or make evening plans. No need to leave the calendar guessing while the candy gets all the attention.
The official Sweets & Treats page describes a stroll through downtown and participating businesses, not a single stop with a published lineup. It doesn’t currently list every participating shop, admission terms or a weather plan, so we’re not promising particular treats, free treats or an indoor rain alternative.
Check that page before heading out, or contact Perry’s Downtown Manager at (478) 988-2730 for event questions. The city’s downtown calendar also confirms October 30 and the 4–6 p.m. window.
A little advance planning, a downtown wander and something sweet along the way—that’s a Friday plan with a pretty good wrapper.
Original AI-assisted illustration, not a photograph of the event or treats supplied by participating businesses.
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Disney on Ice Comes to Macon October 30–November 1: Pick Your Family’s Ice Time!
HoCo, ready to trade the fall leaves for a little ice? Disney on Ice Magic of Family is coming to the Macon Coliseum October 30–November 1, with six performances to work around your crew’s weekend plans.
The venue is at 200 Coliseum Drive in Macon. Here’s the official lineup of showtimes—all local:
- Friday, October 30: 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 31: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Sunday, November 1: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tickets are mobile-only. Use the ticket links on the official event pages to reach Ticketmaster, the venue’s verified provider, and check current prices and availability. Saving tickets to your phone’s wallet before leaving home can spare you a little entrance-line juggling.
One detail deserves a spot beside the showtime in your plans: parking has changed. Macon-Bibb’s October 22 update says new lots have opened across the street at the former Bibb Mill site during arena construction. Accessible parking and drop-off remain near the Coliseum entrance.
The Disney on Ice event page lists parking at $10 per vehicle. Bring a physical credit or debit card, or use the posted QR codes for payment; tap-to-pay isn’t available. The plaza also remains an active roadway, so follow signs and staff directions.
Pick your performance, check the venue’s latest details, and have those mobile tickets ready. Let the skaters handle the fancy footwork—not your parking plan!
Original editorial illustration, not an official event poster or a photograph of the show or venue.
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CGTC Welders Help Warner Robins Bed Builders: A Little Hometown Support!
Warner Robins, here’s a little hometown teamwork worth making room for: Central Georgia Technical College’s welding skills are helping support the work of Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s local chapter.
In a September 22 announcement, CGTC reported that students and faculty built three dip tanks for staining bed components. The nonprofit provides beds for children who don’t have a proper bed of their own. These particular classroom skills have a destination beyond the workshop.
Want to lend a hand, HoCo? The Warner Robins chapter’s official page lists a Moose Lodge & American Legion Post 172 bed build for October 24 at 400 Carl Vinson Parkway, followed by bed deliveries on October 25. Check the chapter’s event and registration details before making plans; the page doesn’t list start times.
And you don’t need a welding helmet to help. The chapter also welcomes donations of new twin-size sheets, pillows and bedding. Whether your contribution starts in a workshop or the bedding aisle, there’s a practical way to support a neighbor’s good night’s sleep.
Original editorial illustration, not a photograph of the students, equipment or a chapter event.
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Barrel Racing Returns to Perry October 24–31: Horsepower, Free for Spectators!
HoCo, looking for a weekend outing with a little more horsepower? The 2026 NBHA Circle Y Saddles Open & Senior World Championships are coming to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, October 24–31, and spectator admission is free.
The National Barrel Horse Association event brings barrel-racing competitors from around the country to the fairgrounds at 401 Larry Walker Parkway. You can leave the saddle at home: this is an invitation to watch, not a call to enter.
According to the fairgrounds’ official event listing, events begin daily at 8 a.m. The venue lists Reaves Arena among the facilities in use.
Planning around a particular race? Check the NBHA’s current event page before heading over, rather than assuming every session starts at the same time. You can also reach the NBHA office at 706-722-7223 for show information.
Pick a day, bring your cheering voice, and let the riders handle the tight turns.
Featured illustration: An original illustration celebrating barrel racing in Perry, not a photograph of the championship or its competitors.
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Wreaths Across America Exhibit Coming to Warner Robins October 23–24
Original AI-generated illustration for Houston County Insider; not a photograph of the exhibit or museum.
The Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit is scheduled to visit the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins on Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, 2026. If you’re making weekend plans, this one leaves room for a little history and conversation.
Admission is free, and the exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
According to the museum, visitors can explore interactive displays, watch short films and hear stories about military service and sacrifice. The traveling exhibit also serves as an official welcome-home station for Vietnam veterans.
Veterans, active-duty service members, military families and the wider community are invited. You can take a tour and talk with Wreaths Across America representatives and volunteers about the nonprofit’s year-round work.
Consider bringing someone you’d like to share the visit with, and check the museum’s official event listing before heading over.
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Warner Robins Food Truck Roundup & Trunk or Treat Returns Thursday – Bring Your Appetite!
Original AI-generated illustration for Houston County Insider; not a photograph of the event.
Warner Robins, Thursday’s dinner plans come with a candy detour! 🎃 The fourth annual Food Truck Roundup & Trunk or Treat is set for October 22, 2026, with the Roundup running 6–9 p.m. at Perkins Field.
The city is planning more than 25 food and drink vendors and more than 60 decorated trunks. That’s a pretty good argument for giving the kitchen the night off.
Here’s the detail to keep handy before loading up the kids: Trunk or Treat runs 6–8:30 p.m. along Mulberry Street and Young Avenue. The candy portion wraps up half an hour before the Roundup, and participating groups will hand out treats while supplies last. If collecting candy is the main mission, save that last-minute arrival for another night.
The announced entertainment includes Stacii Adams, plus AJ the DJ at the Zombie Zone. The city also has activities planned for the Kids Zone, so there’s more on the evening’s agenda than deciding what to eat.
Check the city’s October 18 announcement for the official details. HoCo, put Thursday on the calendar and leave a little room for the candy haul!
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When Centerville’s Post Office Answered to Hattie 📬
Editorial illustration for the Hattie post-office story; not an archival photograph or a depiction of Etheridge’s store. Centerville, here’s a name for your next local-history rabbit hole: Hattie. That was the name of a post office operating inside a local store, and a newspaper notice more than 136 years old tells us whose store it was. 📬
On January 16, 1890, the Houston Home Journal reported that a new post office had been established at Centerville. Its name was Hattie, its location was M. F. Etheridge’s store, and Etheridge was the postmaster. His name does double duty in that little piece of postal history.
The reason for Hattie? According to the City of Centerville’s historical account, another Centerville post office already existed in Gwinnett County. The alternative name honored the daughter of state representative Mitchell F. Etheridge. Even a post office, it seems, could discover that its first choice of name was already taken.
Here’s where the paper trail keeps us honest. 🔎 The city’s online timeline places the postal-name story under 1900, but the surviving newspaper notice documents Hattie a decade earlier. We can say the office existed by January 1890; that notice doesn’t give us its exact opening or closing day.
The two names turn up together in a letter published April 21, 1892. The pupils who wrote it identified themselves as members of Centerville High School’s Excelsior Literary and Debating Society. That’s a lot of syllables before you’ve even started debating.
They described their school as a few rods from Hattie and the village of Centerville to the west, with homes, gin houses and blacksmith shops. One letter, both names—handy to remember when you’re searching the old papers.
And then there’s the front porch with theatrical ambitions. 🎭 A June 7, 1900, report used Hattie in its account of the local school’s end-of-term concert. The school’s front porch had been enlarged into a stage, with curtains in the national colors.
According to that June 1900 report, at least 200 parents and friends filled the seats, including visitors from Byron, Dunbar, Toy, Kathleen and Perry. The program ran three hours, with music, recitations, dialogues and other performances. Quite a workout for a front porch.
All of this belongs to the community’s history long before incorporation. Centerville received its charter on March 25, 1958, according to the city’s history.
So, if you’re tracing a Houston County family, school or church, keep Hattie beside Centerville on your search list. Georgia Historic Newspapers makes these old issues available online. Try both names: there’s more than one way to address this bit of Houston County history.
Sources
Houston County Insider is a division of Heart City Marketing in Warner Robins, Georgia.