New Warner Robins Parks director brings 40 years experience, plans for amphitheater and trail system
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Warner Robins welcomed its new Parks and Recreation director this week as Preston Pooser officially began his role on Monday, bringing nearly four decades of experience and plans for more recreational development to the city.
Pooser, who previously served as Parks and Recreation director in five other cities, joins Warner Robins after a brief semi-retirement in Ocala, Florida.
“Parks and recreation director is not what I do for a living, it’s who I am. It’s my identity,” Pooser said during an interview at the North Houston Sports Complex.
The new director’s appointment comes after former Parks and Recreation Director Jared Reneau resigned earlier this year following controversy over his potential termination that sparked community concern.
Pooser has experience implementing projects similar to those Warner Robins is considering, including 11 years in Woodstock, Georgia, where he oversaw the development of the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater and a 25-mile trail system.
“A lot of things that Warner Robins wants to do parallel with what I’ve done in the past. They want to expand new sports, possibly build an amphitheater downtown,” Pooser said. “That amphitheater was a game changer in Woodstock when it was built and the development and the trails that connected it to downtown and other amenities really was a game changer for downtown Woodstock,” he said.
Pooser began his career working in maintenance while attending Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in recreation management.
“I became a ball field crew member in college, cleaning park bathrooms. I’ve been a custodian in a parks and recreation department,” Pooser said. “By the time I graduated, I had three years in an actual parks and recreation department doing ball field work and helping with special events.”
In his first weeks on the job, Pooser says he plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment of all Warner Robins recreational facilities.
“I will be going to every park, every facility, every court, every ball field – just boots on the ground looking at every facility in the system,” he said.
His team will conduct what he calls a “SWOT analysis” to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the parks system.
“I think there’s some parks in areas that need a little bit of extra love. There’s some low-hanging fruit that we need to take care of in some of the park systems,” Pooser said.
The new director already has a working relationship with Warner Robins City Manager James Drinkard, whom he knew from his time in Woodstock.
“I knew him when I lived in Woodstock, Georgia. And I knew him from there – he was on planning commission there,” Pooser said. “I was like, you know, that’d be interesting to team up with James.”
Pooser says he hopes to implement what he describes as a “city within a park” concept in Warner Robins, connecting neighborhoods and facilities with trails rather than just sidewalks.
“We kind of started getting there in Woodstock when I was there and with everything the downtown is connected by trails, not sidewalks, but trails that are leading to neighborhoods and the other areas,” he said.
Pooser emphasized his commitment to public engagement and accessibility, especially with people who were disgruntled by the Reneau resignation.
“I’ve got an open-door policy. Come see me, give me a call, email me,” he said. “We’re gonna be doing some public input meetings – come to those meetings, ask me anything you want as a citizen. I work for you. As a citizen, I work for you. You’re my boss, and I embrace that.”
With Houston County continuing to be one of the fastest-growing areas in central Georgia, Pooser says developing parks and recreational spaces will be crucial for the city’s future.
Mayor LaRhonda Patrick and city leadership have previously stated that expanding recreational opportunities remains one of the administration’s priorities.
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