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Outdoor Movies in Fort Maurepas Park
OCEAN SPRINGS The restoration of Fort Maurepas is nearing completion, and the Beach Drive park may reopen by this weekend, said Mayor Connie Moran.
Moran had thought the $1.8 million park project might be far enough along for an opening Saturday.
The park commemorates the 1699 fort erected after the landing of French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville.
The park that overlooks Front Beach was damaged during Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.
A wooden replica of the fort was not rebuilt, but there is a concrete outline of the fort in the 2.3-acre park.
The city’s Board of Aldermen gave approval Tuesday for Greg Cantrell Inc. to continue developing a sign for the park. Frank Burandt of the design company presented two sign versions at the board’s meeting. The sign would be 9 feet tall, he said.
Alderman Matt McDonnell said, “I’m telling you, this has got the potential to be the finest waterfront park in all of south Mississippi. I’m amazed at how well it has turned out.”
Moran said one of the most significant features of the park is that the educational intent of the historic site has been preserved “by retaining the footprint of the previous fort structure.”
The park includes a walkway featuring the eight flags that have flown over Ocean Springs, a playground, splash pad, pavilion and restrooms.
Moran said the splash pad water feature would not open until next spring.
“We have outdoor movies as well,” said Moran. “The stage is large enough for the symphony. It is a nice outdoor stage where we can have public events in the evenings, concerts, outdoor movies.”
The project also includes work on the Seaman’s Memorial, said Moran.
The facility will be equipped with a security camera system to be monitored by police, she said.
The park is paid for by $744,826 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, $551,057 from Community Development Block Grants for the pavilion, $397,192 from state Tidelands Funds, $250,000 in Hurricane Katrina donations and $100,000 from a private donation for the playground.
An official grand opening for the park with fireworks, music and a formal ceremony is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24.
