News
New riverfront park donated by the Golding’s takes the next step
Last month, the Golding family graciously donated their property at Oak and Lee Streets for a community park. Boasting one of Vicksburg’s best views of the Mississippi River, the space is meant to replace the former Riverfront Park that was closed due to erosion.
Both the City of Vicksburg and the Warren County Board of Supervisors have approved resolutions to appoint a citizens council to look at proposed designs for the park, costs of various components and possible funding sources. Their recommendations will then be presented to the city and county boards for final approval.The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks will also have to approve the abandonment of the old park as well as the plans for the new one.
“Because [the park] was initially funded by a grant from MDWFP, we will also have to have state involvement,” Warren County District 5 Supervisor Kelle Barfield explained. “They have to approve the abandonment of the old park and relocation to the new, which has to have equal or greater value than the old.”
Designs for the park include basic elements as well as some on a grander scale, such as an amphitheater. While both the city and county had budgeted a combined $600,000 to renovate the old park that could be reappropriated to the new property, the citizens council will be tasked with finding additional grants and funding opportunities to realize the project.
Barfield says that the Boards plan to have appointed members to the citizens council by the end of the month so that they can begin working on a proposal at the beginning of April. At this time, a clear deadline for the council’s work has not been established.
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