Page 118 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2015

DOWNTOWNS poised to grow
will cover the grounds. There’ll be nine aquariums, a bird habitat and many displays showing local flora and fauna.
“We try to get people engaged with and excited about the ecology of the river,” Education and Outreach Manager Erin Parker said. “We work with school groups and other organizations on site or we go to them.”
In addition to renting kayaks, the center’s McCoy River and Marsh Tours continue year round, and Parker says the tours are “fantastic and show all the life and beauty that are on the river.”
Programs, festivals and recreational facilities make great contributions to Moss Point’s quality of life. “When you move to a city, recreation is at the top of the list of things you want,” says Parks & Recreation Department Director Chad Smith. “We want to work the mind and the body with all we have to offer.”
The department’s activities include various sports for children and adults, karate, bring-your-own-brush painting, line dancing, ceramics and bicycle and kayak rentals. One of the city’s parks recently got new lighting around the walking track. Another — the Sue Ellen Recreation Center — has a large gym, playground with a rubber surface, ball park, and basketball and tennis courts.
“We want to rejuvenate the old pallet manufacturing
center into a welcome center at North River Front
Park,” Smith said. “We’re planning a fun activity to tour downtown, eat at one of the restaurants and go to the Audubon Center. We’ll have senior citizens there to answer questions about the history of Moss Point.”
The Main Street Four Point Approach is an important element of the city’s economic development strategy. “We consistently implement those foundational principles,” Sue Wright said.
That Four Point approach to developing and enriching the city includes the following:
ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING
The historic, business and riverfront assets of downtown Moss Point are among the best in the country. Come see for yourself! We are working to strengthen our existing businesses while recruiting new businesses to serve emerging local needs. We also realize the potential of 8,000 to 10,000 tourists with the opening of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.
ORGANIZATION
Long-term relationships with city partners such as Celebrations, Moss Point Active Citizens (MPAC), the
MOSS POINT provides an abundance of outdoor activities, no matter what the season.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN MOSS POINT.
Fall-de-Rah
October-December
Plein Air Outdoor Painting Festival
November 28
Christmas by the River
December 5
Moss Point Old Time River Jamboree
May 7
Deborah Washington Memorial Soap Box Derby
Spring
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