These trees helped define Moss Point 150 years ago. A new park will give them life again.
Lumber and shipbuilding are what made Moss Point and now a new park planted with native trees used in those industries 150 years ago will celebrate the city’s natural and cultural history.
The roots of the new park will begin to take hold Saturday on Planting Day at Sawmill Landing Park. It’s just off Main Street coming into town at 4231 Dantzler St., at the site of the Adam Blumer Foundry, Machine Shop and Spoke and Handle Factory, which dates back to 1870.
The community is invited to help establish the park Saturday by planting trees. At 9 a.m. the design team will talk about the kayak launch, the pier that will provide access and scenic views of the water, the walking trail and other plans for the park. A book reading for kids starts at 9:30 a.m. and the tree planting begins at 10 a.m.
Parking is available at the pallet mill river front facility and along Dantzler Street.
“We want the citizens of Moss Point to have direct experience in helping with this project through the planting of trees that they can watch grow for years to come,” said Mayor Billy Knight Sr.
The Rotary Club of Moss Point is partnering with the city on the project. Mark LaSalle, president of the Rotary Club of Moss Point, said the project is “part of the club’s long-term campaign to promote, plant and protect the beautiful and iconic trees that make Moss Point a beautiful community.”
This story was originally published February 22, 2023 at 2:56 PM.
