Free weight loss challenge begins next week

It’s time to lighten up, Biloxi.

The City of Biloxi is partnering with “Let’s Go! Gulf Coast,” Salvation Army Kroc Center, and the National Diabetes and Obesity Research Center at Tradition for a free eight-week weight loss and health challenge program.

The “Lighten Up Biloxi” program, which aims to promote a healthy and active lifestyle by bringing in community involvement, begins with a weigh-in on Wednesday, March 29 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 575 Division St.

Participants must sign up for the program during one of the four initial weigh-ins: Wednesday, March 29 from 5 to 8 p.m., and Thursday, March 30 from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Kroc Center; or Thursday, March 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday, March 31 from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Donal Snyder Sr. Community Center. Each participant will then receive a gym bag, water bottle, healthy handouts and information, and a calendar.

The calendar, which is the core essence of the program, is a daily activity calendar that lists free community events offered each day during the program for participants with the showing of their participant ID card. Activities will take place at locations such as the Donal Snyder Sr. Community Center, the Salvation Army Kroc Center, Traditions YMCA,  and Downtown Biloxi. Among the activities: cycling classes, cardio classes, pool access, fitness center access and nutrition classes.  The calendar will also list local restaurant discounts on healthy menu items offered during the two-month program.

This is the first year for the “Lighten Up Biloxi.” The “Let’s Go! Gulf Coast” program has taken place previously in Ocean Springs and Pascagoula.
See the flyer

 

Hiller Park splash pad nearing completion

Residents and visitors to Hiller Park will soon have a new way to stay cool while enjoying the outdoors.

City and county leaders will be in Hiller Park on Saturday, April 8 at 11 a.m. to open the community’s newest splash pad with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The 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 once complete, will cost $50,000 in material and county labor.

“I am thankful to Harrison County Supervisor Beverly Martin for this addition to Hiller Park,” said Biloxi Parks and Recreation Director Cheryl Bell.  “It has been a wonderful partnership, and I am proud to see the increased amenities at the park.  There is just so much to enjoy at Hiller.” 

The city has two other splash pads, one at Point Cadet Plaza, 121 Cadet St. and another at Popp’s Ferry recreational area, 2150 Popp’s Ferry Road. All three splash pads will open to the public Friday, April 14 and 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

 

Pedestrian access soon to increase at Hiller Park

Work is now underway on the latest pedestrian access project at Hiller Park.

The project, which begin last week, includes an 8-foot-wide, 1,400-foot-long walkway that will run alongside the bay at the northern end of the park near the Hiller Park Pavilion.

“This project advances our initiative of a more walkable community,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said. “It continues to make our largest park more inviting to a host of people.”

The $70,000 project is being funded with a state Tidelands grant and the work is being done by Twin L Construction.  The project is expected to be complete by the end of the month.

This work is part of an ongoing pedestrian access project that will see the connection of sideways throughout the entire park. Previously, a walkway and pedestrian bridge were created overlooking the bayou on the western end of the more than 80-plus-acre park.
See images of the progress 
See the previous walkway and overlook


News and notes

The week that was: Just how busy were the city departments of Police, Fire and Community Development last week? Find the answer by clicking here.

Election update: The race for Ward 2 in Biloxi was reduced to a three-man field after the Democratic Executive Committee declined to validate the candidacy to Tracey Smith. To see the updated lineup of candidates citywide and key election dates, click here.

Podcasting: William Sackett moderates another rehash of the issues of the day in this week’s City Desk podcast, recording this morning at City Hall. Among the topics: rail crossings, proposed development in the northern part of the city, and upcoming events. To go to the City Desk lineup, click here.

Last call for nominations: Nominations for Biloxi’s Outstanding Citizen are due by 5 p.m. Friday. To see how you can nominate a worthy individual, click here.

Easter events:  To see a list of the Easter events coming up in Biloxi, click here