James Hill Parks Restoration
For years, James Hill Park has been slowly deteriorating. Today, through the collaboration of local government officials and Coast companies, the 44-year-old park was brought back to life.
After Hurricane Camille, former Seabee Commander Captain James Hill and his fellow Seabees helped clean up and rebuild the Coast. Today, the Coast banded together to clean up and rebuild the park named after him.
Captain James Hill’s nephew, Henry Blanton, and his wife, Jane, could be seen admiring the park named after his uncle; a park that sits on the same land that was once used to burn debris after Hurricane Camille. “This whole area was like one burning ember. It was like a barbeque pit. The whole thing was glowing. It was something I still remember. I was 16-years-old when I saw that, I never have forgotten it and look at it now. It’s so beautiful,” said Blanton.
Several Coast companies and officials joined forces for the facelift. The almost half a million dollar price tag was covered by DMR, the City of Gulfport, Harrison County Supervisors and a grant from Anheuser -Busch. The company’s local distributor, Rex Distributing, even showed up with more than 30 volunteers to lend a hand in the restoration.
Ann Magruder, vice president of Rex Distributing, said, “The progress actually started on Monday when we started building the benches and picnic tables in our warehouse. We loaded them up this morning and at about 6:45, we were ready to get started. And we started planting all the trees and doing cleanup.”
New piers built in the park allow families to walk along the bayou. Just one thing city officials say helps the park appeal to anyone.
Jenna Bennett, with Harrison County Beautification, said, “You know, you can come out, play, kick a soccer ball. Have a great time up here, then walk down and enjoy the pier, enjoy the water, fish. Just sit down and eat a meal. It’s a wonderful place to be, I can honestly say.”
“This is one of the gems on the Coast. And I know Captain Hill would be so honored it was named after him, if he were here today,” said Blanton.
The park’s restoration will also provide a secure nesting area for the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane.
After Hurricane Camille, former Seabee Commander Captain James Hill and his fellow Seabees helped clean up and rebuild the Coast. Today, the Coast banded together to clean up and rebuild the park named after him.
Captain James Hill’s nephew, Henry Blanton, and his wife, Jane, could be seen admiring the park named after his uncle; a park that sits on the same land that was once used to burn debris after Hurricane Camille. “This whole area was like one burning ember. It was like a barbeque pit. The whole thing was glowing. It was something I still remember. I was 16-years-old when I saw that, I never have forgotten it and look at it now. It’s so beautiful,” said Blanton.
Several Coast companies and officials joined forces for the facelift. The almost half a million dollar price tag was covered by DMR, the City of Gulfport, Harrison County Supervisors and a grant from Anheuser -Busch. The company’s local distributor, Rex Distributing, even showed up with more than 30 volunteers to lend a hand in the restoration.
Ann Magruder, vice president of Rex Distributing, said, “The progress actually started on Monday when we started building the benches and picnic tables in our warehouse. We loaded them up this morning and at about 6:45, we were ready to get started. And we started planting all the trees and doing cleanup.”
New piers built in the park allow families to walk along the bayou. Just one thing city officials say helps the park appeal to anyone.
Jenna Bennett, with Harrison County Beautification, said, “You know, you can come out, play, kick a soccer ball. Have a great time up here, then walk down and enjoy the pier, enjoy the water, fish. Just sit down and eat a meal. It’s a wonderful place to be, I can honestly say.”
“This is one of the gems on the Coast. And I know Captain Hill would be so honored it was named after him, if he were here today,” said Blanton.
The park’s restoration will also provide a secure nesting area for the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane.
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