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Residents, aldermen press city on park maintenance and youth-center repairs
Summary
Multiple public commenters and aldermen told the mayor and board the North Natchez Youth Center and area parks show signs of neglect — overgrown vegetation, broken water mains, damaged splash features and courts — and urged the city to prioritize repairs and budgeting for recreation.
Public commenters and several aldermen used the mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting to press city staff for clearer timelines and budgets to repair parks and the North Natchez Youth Center.
James Jones, representing family members and neighborhood residents, told the board the youth center and nearby parks lack reliable running water, have overgrown trees and vegetation, and that play areas and courts are deteriorating. Jones asked what would be required to include a water feature or slide in future budgets; the mayor responded that the water feature is not currently in the budget but staff would work with Jones on next steps.
Alderman Ben Frazier said the youth center "is in shambles" despite earlier renovation spending, and listed safety issues: poison ivy near playground equipment, weeds in basketball and tennis courts, and a potentially collapsed splash pad area. Frazier and other aldermen asked staff for repair estimates and photos; one alderman said he had video evidence of the site's condition.
Public works and parks staff were asked to obtain quotes for court resurfacing and to schedule trimming and maintenance. The mayor reminded the board that work is being done within the constraints of board-approved budgets and that some park improvements (playground replacement, pavilion renovation) have been completed in recent years.
Why it matters: Board members framed park maintenance as a public-safety and equity issue for neighborhoods on the north side of the city, calling for clearer staffing and budgeting to address deferred maintenance. Several aldermen noted staffing shortages in public works and a need to recruit and retain experienced operators.
Next steps: Staff was asked to follow up with quotes and scheduling; the mayor offered to meet with residents and the recreation director to discuss options.
