Ocean Springs News
MEDIA PRESS RELEASE - for immediate release
March 19th, 2010 | For details and information concerning this release, please contact Johnnie Bernhard at (228) 875-2209.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for March 30 for OS Bridge Park
Ocean Springs, MS – The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for a new park at the foot of the Biloxi Bay Bridge in Ocean Springs on March 30, 2:00 p.m., near the mosaic bridge panels. A small reception will follow the groundbreaking ceremony at the Ocean Springs Yacht Club. Refreshments are complimentary of Metro Concrete, LLC.
Managed by MDOT, the half million dollar project for the new bridge park is funded by economic stimulus funding through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act and the Federal Highway Administration.
Plans for the small green space between the bridge and the Ocean Springs Yacht Club include piping of an open drainage ditch near the mosaic bridge panels, benches, decorative fencing, trash receptacles, landscaping and steps to access the bridge from the sidewalk near the mosaic panels. Stretching equipment for walkers will also be erected.
The sidewalk along Porter Avenue will be extended from the bridge to connect with the existing sidewalk near First Street that leads to downtown.
“This is a wonderful addition to the rebuilding of the Coast. We are rebuilding back better,” said Wayne Brown, Southern District Transportation Commissioner for MDOT.
“We appreciate the support of Congress and MDOT to improve this gateway to our city,” said Mayor Connie Moran. “It provides another link in our plan to connect downtown with our beach and parks for pedestrians.”
As part of the agreement with MDOT, the City of Ocean Springs will be responsibile for the maintenance and security of the park following its completion. City officials hope to open the new park this summer.
