Tunica Arena walking trail: 2,300-foot sidewalk and pier update given to supervisors

Philip O'Levi, a project representative, briefed the Tunica County Board of Supervisors on April 29 about progress and next steps for the Tunica Arena walking trail around the East Pond.

"This project involves a 6 foot wide sidewalk going around the East Pond," O'Levi (S8) said, estimating the trail at "just under half a mile," or about 2,300 feet. He described a wooden, T-shaped pier that will extend roughly 115 feet from shore with a 100-foot-wide T; the pier deck is planned to be 10 feet wide.

Construction work completed to date includes grading, bedding and a concrete underdrain that ties to the pond flume. O'Levi said the contractor has completed most sidewalk work but has left a small section open to allow access for pier construction. Pier submittals are under review; once submittals are approved, material delivery is expected in about two to three weeks and the pier work should take roughly three weeks from arrival.

On concerns about water-level work, O'Levi told the board, "They do not see a need to drain the pond or anything like that. They'll be able to do it, kinda set up on barges and drive the piers and everything they need without lowering the level." He added that, if unforeseen circumstances require lowering the pond, the project team will follow proper channels and notify the board.

Board members asked whether there have been any problems; a board member (S2) replied the work has been proceeding according to plan. The project update noted continued coordination with MDOT on scheduling while awaiting pier materials.