Renaissance group plans ‘A Walk in the Park’

All Mississippi Coast residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to take “A Walk in the Park” on May 17 to help raise awareness and funds for a botanical garden and horticultural center that will be created at Hiller Park in Biloxi.

The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation, which provides assistance to coastal residents and communities in need of horticultural and environmental restoration, will construct the garden and horticultural center in the center of the walk area in Hiller Park.

As “A Horticulture for Humanity Garden,” the site will demonstrate the positive effects of horticulture through its themed mini-gardens and use of native plants. By inviting residents, organizations and businesses of the coastal area to participate in the creation of the garden, it will reflect the southern heritage as well as the cultural diversity of the people and the environment of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“A Walk in the Park,” is the first of many opportunities where participants will collect tax-deductible donations for the creation of the garden and educational center. Registration on site will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9:45 a.m. Frankie Duggan and the Mullet Brigade will prepare lunch for walkers at 11 a.m. An awards ceremony and grand prize drawings will begin at 11:15 a.m.

Donated plants, seed packets and garden items will be available. Health and horticultural exhibits will be on display to promote horticultural therapy and tips on landscape and tree restoration will be available from local nurseries and arborists. Free pedometers will be provided by representatives of Let’s Go Walkin Mississippi.

The event is being co-sponsored by the City of Biloxi’s Parks & Recreation Department, the Harrison County Beautification Commission and the Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation. Other sponsors and residents are needed to volunteer, donate or participate in the “Walk in the Park” To pre-register, donate or volunteer, please contact Martha Boyce at 228-388-2622 or email mboyce@msrengarden.org.

How you can be a part of the effort

—To print a signup sheet to participate in the “Walk in the Park”
click here.

—Would you like to volunteer to help stage the “Walk in the Park”? To find out how, click here.

—To learn more about the Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation, click here.