Ocean Springs Breaks Ground on Harbor Improvement

Friday, the City of Ocean Springs broke ground on the first of many improvements toward its harbor: a park for those who live in the area and those just stopping by to enjoy.

For many, the Thomas D. McIlwain Harbor Green in Ocean Springs will be a place to enjoy the outdoors. For Janet McIlwain and her daughter, Stacey, it will be a lovely reminder of a husband and a father who spent many weekends there with his family. Stacey Randall, Thomas McIlwain’s daughter, says, "This place just really meant a lot to him. So I’m just so happy that his name is going to be associated with the place that he really, really loved."

Thomas McIlwain served on the Harbor Commission for many years and is largely responsible for the safe and scenic harbor many enjoy today. City and county officials say it was a no brainer to name the green after him to pay homage to a man they’re so grateful for. Troy Ross, Jackson County Supervisor for District 4, says, "It’ll be a way that we can remember him and thank him for the things he did because he truly did care about this harbor."

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources granted the city $50,000 of Tidelands funding, appropriated by state legislature through gaming revenues, for the harbor improvements.

The harbor green is the first element for a larger improvement plan for the harbor, including widening Harbor Road, adding streetlights, and improving sidewalk safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Danny Jhlanavich, Harbor Master, says, "We’re gonna’ have the top harbor from Texas all the way down to the Keys. We’ve got one of the safest harbors and this should make it, with the road and everything, the most functional harbor on the Coast."

The harbor green is set to be completed this month.