As part of National Infrastructure Week – which is an opportunity for officials and residents around the United States to celebrate the nation’s success and investments in infrastructure measures – officials from the City of Hattiesburg recently announced a major grant for the continued development of Gordon’s Creek.
Mayor Toby Barker and other city representatives gathered during a May 13 news conference at the Unetta Street bridge overlooking Gordon’s Creek to unveil a $2.24 million grant from the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund that will help fund improvements to the creek between Buschman Street and the Leaf River.
“For infrastructure investments, the federal and state role is vital,” Barker said. “Traditionally, bodies of water in Hattiesburg like Gordon’s Creek or the Leaf River are seen simply for their functionality as a drainage outlet for stormwater.
“We have long believed, however, that the role of these waterways can be elevated beyond that of the main storm drain basin, to one that can be an eco-tourism landmark and recreation and commercial destination."
The project is expected to significantly expand and enhance the local recreational infrastructure, with features such as an 8-foot pathway and pedestrian bridge accommodating pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users that will connect the Gordon’s Creek Linear Trail, Longleaf Trace, Leaf River, and Chain Park. The initiative also includes the construction of an outdoor classroom and an overlook across the Leaf River, aimed at boosting educational opportunities and wildlife observation.
“For the first time, we’re seeing some activity that’s going to take place in this area, that we envisioned for all that it could be many years ago,” Ward 2 Councilwoman Deborah Delgado said. “It’s a beautiful, natural environment just the way that it is, but it does need that attention and it does need great stewardship.
“I’m so grateful that the City of Hattiesburg went after this funding opportunity and got it for this community, because it means a whole lot. I am delighted to have it in place, and look forward to bringing even my grandchildren out here once it’s completed. I hope this community will enjoy it, especially since it’s right here in their front door.”
The grant was recently approved by Hattiesburg City Council members, and the design phase is expected to begin later this year. The grant total of $2.24 million will be matched with local funds, for a total project budget of approximately $3.04 million.
The project is Hattiesburg’s second award through MOSTF, with the first being the Sims Road River Access Project, which was announced in the fall of 2023. The program was created by the Mississippi Legislature in 2022 to establish an ongoing funding mechanism to encourage investment in outdoor recreation and conservation projects at the state and local levels.
That includes the improvement of trails, access to public waters for the purpose of outdoor recreation, and conservation and restoration of wetlands and other habitats.
“With that in mind, the city has pursued and won multiple grants to create trails along Gordon’s Creek over the last 10 years and beyond, with more going to bid this year,” Barker said. “The one area that we knew offered some of the most up-close views of the natural environment (of Gordon’s Creek) was the part between the end of Buschman Street and the Leaf River.”
