POPLARVILLE — A $100,000 improvement project is moving forward at Poplarville City Park, with upgrades planned to improve safety, accessibility and durability at one of the city’s most-used public spaces. 

Poplarville Mayor Louise Smith said the work will focus on restoring key park structures and making the park more welcoming for residents and visitors. 

“The generous funding will enhance the park’s safety, accessibility and overall appearance, ensuring it remains a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike,” Smith said. 

The project is funded through a grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, a private nonprofit that supports community well-being through charitable efforts across the region. 

Planned upgrades include replacing damaged Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant wooden handrails and the accessibility ramp at the gazebo, repairing worn boards in the gazebo seating area and installing a metal roof to better protect the structure. 

The project also includes sealing wooden fixtures with a waterproof treatment to help reduce future maintenance, repairing or replacing park benches and picnic tables, and updating the public restrooms with fresh paint and tamper-resistant fixtures. 

In addition, the city plans to install weatherproof trash receptacles to help improve cleanliness and reduce wear from the elements. 

“Poplarville City Park serves as a cornerstone of the community and is one of the city’s most cherished public spaces,” Smith said. “It is a gathering place where friends and families come together, community events are celebrated and visitors experience the unique character and hospitality of Poplarville.” 

City officials expect the park revitalization project to be completed by August 2026.