New 'pocket park' opens in Hattiesburg

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The city of Hattiesburg held a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday to officially welcome Federation Park.

Federation park is neatly 'pocketed' into the neighborhood and is designed to create passive and interactive recreation opportunities.

The new 'pocket park' which consists of a walking trail, refurbished gazebo, benches, and picnic table cost the city $40,000 to build.

Councilwoman Deborah Delgado said, "We needed to do something about the mosquitoes in this area and to clear it off so that the citizens can enjoy it."

Federation Park is located right behind Federation Towers apartments, a unit that houses low-income families.

Property Manager, Bobbie Jones said, "Its a great asset for the residents...you have a lot of them going through rehab and having to come out here in the park it is good for them."

Dell Hamilton a resident at Federation Towers said, "I'm on a wheelchair, but I can ride around when someone helps me, I can come out and look."

The unique part of the park is its trail. The city is in the process of finishing the trail surrounding the park which will connect to downtown Hattiesburg and William Carey University.

Mayor Johnny Dupree said having a park that connects with the entire community is beneficial.

"It gives us a sense of belonging and being one community, and that's what we strive for, everybody wants to be a part of a community and a part of the family" said Mayor Dupree.