Inside Perry, Georgia
Inside Perry, Georgia
Perry Parks | Exploring the Spaces Bringing Perry Together
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Parks shape a city’s mood more than most of us realize, and Perry is a great example! In this episode, we’re joined by Leisure Services Director Curtis Coates, III for a look at how Perry’s parks support quality of life and everyday recreation.
We talk through the different kinds of parks you’ll find across the city, including destination parks designed for big gatherings and youth sports, along with neighborhood parks and passive green spaces perfect for quiet walks.
Summer in Perry brings its own energy, and Creekwood Park comes alive when the Splash Pad fills up and the pickleball courts stay busy on warm days. We also highlight Heritage Oaks Park, where scenic walking paths and amphitheater events create a unique community gathering space, along with Pine Needle Park and its inclusive playground.
If you haven’t visited a Perry park in a while, this episode shares simple ways to get started and where to find updates on events, programs, and amenities.
Learn More About Perry's Parks
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Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.
Welcome To Perry And The Podcast
SPEAKER_00Welcome to the Inside Perry Podcast, where you get an inside look at Perry, Georgia's local government. We're glad you chose Perry, where people make the difference. Whether you stay a few hours or a lifetime, your time in Perry will be rewarding and unforgettable. I'm Tabitha Clark, Communications Director for the City of Perry.
SPEAKER_01Welcome back to the Inside Perry Podcast, where we take you behind the scenes of the people, places, and projects that make our community so special. Today we're talking about something that touches just about every person in Perry, and that is our parks. Whether it's a place to bring your kids, go for a walk, attend an event, go for a run, just enjoy a quiet moment outdoors, our parks play a big role in everyday life here in our city. I'm joined today by Leisure Services Director Curtis Coates to talk about the impact of our park system, what makes each space unique, and why these places matter so much to our community. So, Curtis, thanks for being here.
SPEAKER_02Thank you for having me today. Whenever we start talking about parks, you know, I get so excited and I'm so ready to share all the good news about what's going on in here in the city of Perry and how the community members can always utilize the parks day to day.
Why Parks Matter In Perry
SPEAKER_01Absolutely. So before we get into specific parks, I want to start big picture with you. Parks are one of those things that people use all the time, but may not always think about in terms of their overall impact. So to kick us off, what role do parks play in our community?
SPEAKER_02They play a big part in the community, especially when you start talking about things like quality of life, organized activities, even special events. Parks are always critical in everyone's life in every community.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I I agree. They're so central. And one of the things I think is really interesting about Perry is that our parks aren't all the same, kind of like you mentioned. Each one really offers something a little bit different depending on what you're looking for. So how would you describe the different types of park we have across the city?
Rozar Park As A Community Hub
SPEAKER_02You know, of course, uh we have things like green spaces for, you know, just natural uh environments, habitats. Also, you know, gatherings, destination parks we have, you know, that's where everyone comes together for their organized youth sports or other events as well. Right. And then also you have your neighborhood parks, passive parks too as well, and those are being utilized, you know, on a day day-to-day basis, whether it's just the average person just walking around the neighborhood park, or maybe you're taking your kids to one of the playgrounds of some of the neighborhood parks.
SPEAKER_01Okay, so let's make this a little bit more personal. Out of all the parks and amenities across Perry, what are a couple that really stand out to you? Would it be those destination parks, maybe?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, more than likely. Yeah. Yeah. Probably me too. Probably me too. Because you can use them um, you know, just more than just uh the organized you sports. Yeah. I mean, like, you know, when I think of Rosa Park, the first thing that comes to mind, you know, even though we have a lot of activity and stuff like that that goes on, the first thing that comes to mind is more so like just nature, yeah, connected with nature.
SPEAKER_01I would say the same.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, you have two puns back there, also disc golf that's being played, uh horseshoe pit. Um, you know, so I always think about relaxation whenever you think of Rosa Park.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, there's so much to do out there, it's so unique. So I'd love for you to share a little bit more detail. What makes that space so unique? I know that you said a little bit about what it offers, but maybe go into a little bit more detail about how Rosier Park is so unique compared to our other parks.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, so Rosa Park is unique just due to the walking trails, which you know, we try to rehab that one too as well. Right. But people still utilize it, you know, as well as the fishing around it. Um we got a nice little sitting upgrades around some of it. Also, too, as well, we've started the process of upgrading our soccer fields out there. We still got some ways to go. And what makes it so unique is it's a gathering spot. Right. We have a senior center that's there, and you know, there's different classes going on. It's a good community hub, especially for the youth. They come by, you know, pretty much every day and play basketball. Disc golf is, you know, are are there, the horseshoe people are there. Everybody's having a good time. Yeah. And then also, too, some of the schools come by sometimes and and utilize it too as well. It's very active Monday through Sunday. Yeah. So yeah.
Creekwood Park And Summer Fun
SPEAKER_01That's awesome. And you you said obviously there's a lot of fishing that goes on out there, of course, during the appropriate times of year. Would you say that there's a certain time of year when Rosier or any other part, you know, really comes alive?
SPEAKER_02Absolutely. One of the other parks, you know, that that's pretty cool one. Um but it comes to life round about May. Yeah. Around about the end of the are we talking about Creekwood Park? Oh, yeah. The splash pad uh brings out so many community members from everywhere. And they utilize it. And you know, it's it's never a dull moment. Um whenever you ride through Creekwood Park during the summer months, everybody's having a great time and they're having fun, and that's what is exactly what they're built for. Yeah.
SPEAKER_01So let's talk about something out there at Creekwood Park that's kind of new, those pickleball courts.
SPEAKER_02Yes, yes, absolutely. Matter of fact, I think it was just last week when I rode over there, there was a group playing doubles.
SPEAKER_01Um I need to utilize it more. I need to get out there and do it. I'm not the best, but I can certainly try.
SPEAKER_02Absolutely. I'm not either. But I I have got out there played once, I think. So the pickleball courts are very unique. I think they're gonna see a lot of usage um this summer from community members that come out and play. Every time, you know, when it's a nice warm day, um, I get a chance to ride ride around and just observe and just look at things. I always can catch someone out there using them. Yeah.
Heritage Oaks And Pine Needle Highlights
SPEAKER_01I think sometimes people see parks as just playgrounds or green space, but there's often, you know, a lot more happening behind the scenes. So, what's something about Perry's Parks that you think residents might not realize?
SPEAKER_02I can take one park into consideration, you know, to answer that question. Heritage Oaks Park is more than just a green space or amphitheater, which we do host you know, concerts and different events out there, but then also too, you can walk, um, wal walk around that particular area and it's very scenic and it's relaxing and peaceful. I've rode through there sometimes and seen people outside reading books and just having regular conversation. It's just an open place just for you to, you know, do what you enjoy at your leisure.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. And that reminds me, Pine Needle Park, it's kind of the same way. Yeah. There's ample space out there to go for a nice leisurely walk. I've done that before. There's also a playground out there. It's just a very unique space, I think.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, absolutely. I've been there too riding around. Um, and then one of the nice things uh in addition to the park is the slides that that are on the hills, so kids get a chance to utilize those too as well. So yeah.
SPEAKER_01So also at Pine Needle Park, there is a designated inclusive playground. What can you tell us about that?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, so that particular playground was actually, you know, funded by the War Foundation. Every time I get a chance to go over there, someone's always using it. Then also sometimes there's some outdoor yoga going on too as well.
SPEAKER_01Oh, I love that.
Where To Start
SPEAKER_02Yeah, yeah, absolutely. So it's one of the most peaceful parks.
SPEAKER_01So for someone who might be listening and thinking, you know what, I haven't been to one of our parks in a while, it can almost feel like you don't know where to start. We do have quite a bit of selection.
SPEAKER_02Yeah.
SPEAKER_01So where would you suggest they go first?
SPEAKER_02So um if someone's looking to start on a park journey, you can always start at Rosa Park and come by and see some of us in the front office. Um, and we'll basically tell you everywhere where you can go and also give you a lot of the community information that'll be going on. Sometimes for the year, sometimes for the month. Um, it just all depends. People are actually doing that too as well. So we actually enjoy having a conversation with some new residents that are coming in, some residents that's been here for quite some time that just want to see what's going on. I always encourage everyone to start at the main office and that is at Rosa Park, and then, you know, make your way around the Creekwood, Heritage Oaks, you know, park, you know, where wherever the you know, wherever your route takes you, just try to uh get a feel for it. Yeah, even welcome park.
Priceless Moments And Closing Notes
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. There's something at every single park. Yeah, there's something to do. So you get to see these spaces used every single day in your role. And you see the community interacting with these parks in real time. So what's your favorite part about seeing residents or or even visitors use our city's parks?
SPEAKER_02I I guess if I had to answer that, one of one of my most favorite moments whenever um I'm riding around is usually during the evening times. And I'm I'm walking, um, you know, just walking the grounds and I see a kid do something that they probably, you know, score their first goal, make their first block, you know, score their first touchdown, shoot the first basketball shot, you know, make the first steal. Those are kind of like the moments that I enjoy. Those teachable moments. Yeah, yeah, when the coaches are, you know, basically, you know, getting in, you know, getting into their rhythm and trying to mentor kids. Like those are the moments that I, you know, quite enjoy.
SPEAKER_01Very priceless. Yeah.
SPEAKER_02Yeah. Priceless moments.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. So Curtis, this has been such a great conversation. It's always good to be reminded that our parks are more than just places. They're really where our community comes together. So if you're listening and it's been a while since you visited one of our parks, consider this your sign to get out and explore. There's something for everyone, whether you're looking to relax or play or just enjoy a little bit of fresh air. To learn more about Perry's parks and amenities, you can visit our website at parry-ga.gov, and there will be more information in the show notes.
SPEAKER_00Thanks for listening to the Inside Perry Podcast, your inside look at Perry's local government. Take a look at the show notes for more information about today's episode. If you like Inside Perry, we encourage you to subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you around in our amazing community where Georgia comes together.