The Department of Parks and Recreation is the primary provider of structured and informal recreational services for the City of Biloxi and surrounding areas. The department operates and maintains 32 facilities including parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, athletic fields, Biloxi Community Center, and Point Cadet Plaza, and coordinates numerous special events for citizens of all ages throughout the City.

Recreation and the leisure environment is a basic necessity of human life. All citizens recreate in some manner even though they may not always be aware of such activity. Recognizing that the benefits of parks and recreation are so important, this department will endeavor to assess the needs of all citizens and create programs and facilities to satisfy those needs.

Significant improvements have been accomplished at our facilities following many years of deferred maintenance. Additionally, major construction and improvements are underway currently.

We continue to follow the guidelines set out in the department's Needs Assessment Plan and the city's Comprehensive Plan. As we work toward providing safer and more fulfilling parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and recreation centers, these plans offer useful guidance and direction.

We have begun preliminary investigations involving acquisition of property in our newly annexed area for the creation of parks and have coordinated with all Woolmarket youth sports leagues.

As director of the department, I remain tremendously enthused about the challenges ahead, which by and large represent opportunities to create new facilities and programs, while continuing to improve and upgrade our existing parks and recreation areas.