City of Picayune wrapping up construction of the Oaks project

The City of Picayune is wrapping up construction at the Oaks, with several new additions nearly ready for public use.

The improvements include restrooms, a preparation room, and a veteran’s memorial.

JC Roberts with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center explains what’s left before the project is complete.

The Oaks in Picayune is getting closer to being finished.

The park, located across Magnolia Street from Crosby Commons, was dedicated in July 2025.

Since then, the city has continued making improvements, including adding restrooms and a preparation room.

Eric Morris with Duncan Engineering says most of the work is done. “The one thing that’s left to be done is the contractor’s got to come back, and he’s got to take some touch-up paint and touch up some cut edges on the metal roofing, and they’re just waiting for the paint to come in.”

The city also approved additional work in October, including putting a new sealer on the pavilion floor.

With construction nearly complete, the city’s Public Works Department has started putting up Christmas decorations around the park. “It went from general construction to Christmas construction.”

The city is also preparing to unveil a new veterans memorial at The Oaks. “We’ve used the Oaks, you know, quite a bit so far, but it’s really going to be officially open with the Veterans Memorial, the restrooms, the dedication of everything that we’ve accomplished there.”

Mayor Jim Luke says the new additions will mark the completion of the park’s latest improvements.

The unveiling is scheduled for 2 p.m. on November 28, followed by Christmas on the Rails at 5 p.m. and the city’s annual Christmas lighting ceremony around 6 p.m.