By Thomas Howard
Director, Lauderdale County Public Affairs
Lauderdale County officials joined the city councilmembers and community leaders on Monday to learn more about a proposed linear park recreation project along Sowashee Creek.
Dating back to flood control efforts in the 1990’s, the linear park plan calls for the installation of an inflatable dam to raise the water level of Sowashee Creek. It would create a body of water roughly 3.5 miles long with recreational trails and development running along the creekside.
Van Lewis of Landmark Realty, who brought the proposal forward, said the project could open the door for further opportunities. Other cities with similar parks have incorporated whitewater rafting, water taxies and other amenities. The proposal may qualify for federal funds available through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he said.
When first proposed in the 90’s, the linear park project carried a price tag of around $10 million, Lewis said, but today’s cost will likely be higher. He asked city and county leaders to hire an engineer to investigate how much the project would cost and pursue outside funding.
Former Meridian Mayor Jimmy Kemp said the new Lauderdale County Government Center, along with ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, put the area in an ideal position for the linear park. The county and city are positioned even better than they were when the project was first proposed.
Supervisor Joe Norwood said the county has also invested in a walking trail along Sowashee Creek with the first phase of the project completed and funding secured for a second phase. The city’s ongoing project to replace a bridge on Grand Avenue also ties into the project with a walkway included in the design.
While the Corps of Engineers previously approved of the project, Supervisor Josh Todd said making sure the Corps is still on board is the first step if the park is to move forward.
