After years of upgrades that included new playground equipment,expansion and a spray park, Bicentennial Park will acquiresomething to make the park a little more enjoyable in the upcomingweeks.

Since Monday, a construction crew has been drilling andfastening materials together to install a restroom insideBicentennial Park.

“We’re pleased to have a restroom at the park,” said Ward OneAlderman Dorsey Cameron. “I may be wrong, but I think BicentennialPark may be one of the most well-used parks.”

Unlike the Mississippi Development Authority grant used toobtain new playground equipment, the $24,000 needed to build thepark’s lavatory will come from the city’s general funds becausegrants will not cover the construction of a restroom for theplayground.

“They’re adamant about not getting into the restroom business,”said Mayor Les Bumgarner. “They’re about spending money onplayground equipment.”

The facility is being built at $3,000 less than what the citybudgeted for, and city officials think the money is not beingflushed away.

“I think it’s well worth it; you can tell by the number of kidswe have out there,” said Cameron. “It’s been a win-winsituation.”

The restroom will be one building, but contain two separatebathrooms, one for men and one for women. Construction is expectedto be finished within three weeks. However, the new facility willnot be open until March.

As new gas lines continue to be installed on Main Street andcrews dig, hammer and pour concrete, children willing to brave thefrigid air will not be hindered by ongoing construction around thepark’s grounds.

“The parks will still be open, we just want to have a restroomthat looks completed,” said Recreation Department Director TerryReid. “We’ll close it at dark and it opens at seven in themorning.”

As the new building might spark interest in mischievousactivity, Reid said the park would not gain any additionalsecurity.

“We shouldn’t have any problem over there,” said Reid. “It’s agood park used by a bunch of people.”

However, Reid added that if the situation warranted, he wouldimplement a three-strike policy and keep the park gates locked.

The recreational facility may not have seen its last upgrade.Cameron mentioned grants are available for a walking trail, but thepark would need to meet certain requirements.

“I had my heart set on a walking trail, but I still haven’truled it out,” said Cameron. “I haven’t really looked into thedetails to bring it up yet, but it’s something I am going tocontinue to look into.”

Bumgarner also mentioned the likelihood of a walking trail, notjust in Bicentennial Park, but also throughout various citywards.

“A lot more people are health conscious these days,” saidBumgarner. “We’re going to try and fulfill those needs.”