The city will christen its newest park, Point Cadet Plaza, with a family-oriented party Saturday from  4 to 7 p.m.
The free event will feature family fun and games, according to Parks and Recreation Director Sherry Bell.
“This is a show place. When people are coming across the Biloxi Bay Bridge, this is one of the first things they see, along with the Golden Nugget and seafood museum,” Bell said. “It’s a great gateway into the city, and we’re hoping people will come out and see it on this special Saturday.”
The waterfront park, which is just north of the soon-to-open Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum at the foot of the Biloxi Bay Bridge, features a pavilion, splash pad and playground equipment on a rubberized surface, a waterfront promenade, restrooms and benches along the waterfront. The park was constructed with $4.65 million in federal funds.
Before Katrina, Point Cadet Plaza, with its huge hangar that had once been used for Coast Guard seaplanes, was a popular spot for community festivals and other gatherings.  In fact, the Biloxi Seafood Festival will be the first major event in the facility when it takes place Sept. 13-14. The Charles R. Hegwood Biloxi Farmers Market, however, will remain at its downtown location.
Said Bell: “We had people calling to rent this facility and ask about the splash pad months before we were open. We quietly opened it a few weeks ago, and the response has been tremendous.”
See your invite to the dedication
