“When I was a boy, we used to go jump in Back Bay, or we ran through the water on the beach,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said the other day. “Boy, have times changed.”
Gilich and Harrison County Supervisor Beverly Martin will open the city’s newest splash pad, at Hiller Park, on Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m.
“This is our third splash pad, to join ones at Point Cadet and Popp’s Ferry, and we’re very appreciative of the partnership with the county to help make these things happen,” said Gilich, who has a banner in his City Hall office that reads “It is in our hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”
The new 40-by-50-foot splash pad, which is north of the Hiller Park playground, features water hoops, a blaster and dumping buckets. The project began in January and cost $50,000 in material and county labor.
The city’s two other splash pads, at Point Cadet Plaza, 121 Cadet St. and at Popp’s Ferry recreational area, 2150 Popp’s Ferry Road, will open to the public Friday, April 14. All will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
See the ribbon cutting flyer
See pictures of the progress at Hiller Park pad
News and notes
Boil water notice lifted: The precautionary boil water notice that was issued Friday for Nixon, Murray and Nichols streets and Ebony Lane has been lifted.
Boil water notice issued: A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for residents of Baptist Alley, and Murray Street between Main and Nichols after a loss of pressure at 3 p.m. today. Public health policy dictates that if a water system loses pressure, its water is considered contaminated until health department-sanctioned tests prove otherwise. Contractor Oscar Renda will notify residents.
Volunteers: The Biloxi Volunteer Recognition Ceremony is just around the corner and you’re running out of time to nominate yourself, your company or your civic group to be involved in the ceremony. To find out what you need to do, click here.
Sports Hall of Fame: Do you know someone who belongs in the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame? Now is the time to help make that happen. Nominate them for the Class of 2017. To find out how, click here.
Police chief on weekend traffic: Biloxi Police Chief John Miller told the Biloxi City Council to expect heavy traffic this weekend as a result of Spring Breakers in town. That’s a good thing, he added later, as long as it’s moving, safely. To see unedited video of the chief’s presentation on Tuesday, click here.
Mayor on Gary Michiels: Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich honored the memory of longtime Biloxian Gary Michiels (say “me-shell”) on the occasion of the opening of the Charles R. Hegwood Community Market. To see unedited video of the mayor presenting a proclamation to Lisa Cumbest Michiels at the City Council meeting Tuesday, click here.
Fi-ya: Fire prevention officers from across the state are in Biloxi this week, and this morning they were playing with fire, for a good cause, at the Gruich center in east Biloxi. To see photos and find out more, click here.