Ocean Springs News
MEDIA PRESS RELEASE - for immediate release
October 5th, 2009 | For details and information concerning this release, please contact Johnnie Bernhard at (228) 875-2209.
Grand Opening for Historic Fort Maurepas Park Set for October 24
Ocean Springs, MS – The City of Ocean Springs will celebrate the grand opening of historic Fort Maurepas Park with fireworks, music, and a formal ceremony on Saturday, October 24, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Front Beach Drive.
The 20-minute fireworks display will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the event as city, county and state officials cut the ribbon on the Front Beach icon that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A gathering spot for generations, the park site then held a replica of the wooden fort erected by French Canadian explorer Pierre LeMoyne Sieur d’Iberville in 1699, on behalf of France. The original fort site is believed to be somewhere near present-day Lovers’ Lane.
“Our department welcomes the public to come out and enjoy the event,” said Geri Straight, Director, City of Ocean Springs Parks & Leisure Department. “It is this department’s responsibility to maintain the beauty of this park; we invite all citizens to help us keep it as nice as the day it opens.”
“Whether on a family outing or attending a public event, the Board of Aldermen and I hope our citizens and visitors will make Fort Maurepas Park a favorite destination to relax and enjoy our waterfront,” said Mayor Connie Moran.
The new park features a short stone wall on the footprint of the prior fort, an outdoor stage, pavilion with handicap accessible restrooms, a play structure and splash pad, and grass paver parking area. Metal replicas of the eight flags that have flown over the Gulf Coast since the French landing are showcased in the main walkway. The new park was funded by FEMA, Mississippi Tideland Trust Fund Grant, Community Development Block Grant, Katrina Donations, and private donors.
The signature addition to the park is the bronze statue of d’Iberville by internationally known sculptor, Marlene Hilton Moore. Funding for the statue was provided by: Village of Hinsdale, illinois, Historic Ocean Springs Association, Public Art Project of Ocean Springs, FEMA, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Heritage Area program.
The City wishes to thank the following individuals and groups for their contribution to the grand opening event: Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau, 1699 Historic Society of Ocean Springs, OSHS Jr. ROTC, Ms. Kathy Mangin, Caution Swing Bridge Band Quintet, IP Casino, Resort & Spa, Bayview Gourmet, M. A. Howard Consulting, and Orocon Construction, LLC.
