The Biloxi Natatorium will soon be closing for some much needed upkeep.
Beginning Saturday, Dec. 14 the facility will close to the public and reopen on Monday, Jan. 6.
The three-week closing will allow the staff to spruce up things at the facility. “We need to pressure wash the decks, paint new depth markings around the deck and vacuum the gutters which requires time for the removing and re-installing,” says Jamie Lee, parks and recreation superintendent.
During this time, the city will expand swimming hours at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center pool, at 2520 Pass Road. The Snyder pool will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information or for questions about the Biloxi Natatorium closing, call the facility at 228-435-6205. For more information and a complete listing of adult and recreation hours at the Donal Snyder Community Center pool, call the facility at 228-388-1760.
Firefighters drive, other holiday events
The Biloxi Fire Department is asking residents to provide unwrapped toys for needy children for this Christmas. The fire department — and a group of New York firefighters, the Nativity Men’s Club, and the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary — ask residents to drop off unwrapped toys at any of the nine firehouses in Biloxi between now and Dec. 12. See an informational flier about the toy drive by
clicking here.
Saturday, Dec. 14: Come Learn With Santa
Open to parents, and children up to age 5. At Lopez School from 9 a.m. to noon. Excel by 5, the initiative that helps parents and toddlers get ready for school years, will feature such free activities as decorating Christmas ornaments, making handprint keepsakes and creating other holiday crafts. Also, pictures with Santa will be available through 11 a.m., and “Read, Sing and Snack with Santa and Other Christmas Characters” begins at 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, the Beau Rivage Diversity Champions, Biloxi Public Schools, Biloxi Excel by 5 Coalition, City of Biloxi and the IP Casino Resort Spa. To print a flier, click here.
Saturday, Dec. 14: Christmas at Hiller Park
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you’ll find a host of games and activities for families in this event, which will help raise money for improvements to Hiller Park. You’ll also find crafts and food vendors, and $5 photos with Santa. A $3 access pass allows admission to a children’s activity area, featuring inflatables,
games and prizes, crafts and ornament making. Details: 228-388-7170 or programs@biloxi.ms.us. To see a flier,
click here.
Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 18-19: North Pole Calling
North Pole Calling is a program designed by the City of Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department and co-sponsored by Biloxi High School Key Club and Biloxi JROTC. This program offers children in pre-school, kindergarten, first and second grades a chance to talk direct with Santa Claus and his Elves on Tuesday, Dec. 18 and Wednesday, Dec. 19. Santa will only reveal to your child what you have approved. To see a form, click here.
News and notes
Face it, photos: Photographer August Taconi offers more than three dozen photos from the Children’s Christmas walking parade. To see the images, on the city’s Facebook page, click here.
Gaming numbers: To see the updated gaming figures — collections and reports — click here.
