City of Ridgeland Unveiled the Eco Park at Freedom Ridge
RIDGELAND, MS – The City of Ridgeland hosted a ribbon cutting event at Freedom Ridge Park on May 11 to unveil the new Eco Park. This transformative initiative was designed to enhance both environmental sustainability and outdoor recreation.
The new park includes a scenic loop trail around the Purple Creek Basin. This new trail expands mileage within the park and features interpretive markers highlighting the area’s unique ecosystem, offering both educational and recreational opportunities for visitors.
“This project represents what can happen when infrastructure, environmental stewardship, recreation, and long-term planning all come together with a shared vision,” stated Alan Hart, Director of Public Works.
The project was centered around five key objectives:
- Stream bank stabilization
- Water quality protection
- Flood risk reduction
- Wildlife habitat restoration and preservation
- Expansion of outdoor recreational opportunities
Key improvements include:
- Construction of additional retention ponds and settling basins to enhance water storage and reduce siltation
- Rehabilitation and restoration of the existing retention facility within Freedom Ridge Park
- Streambank stabilization and channel improvements along the Purple Creek tributary between the park and Highway 51
- Development of low-impact nature trails designed for both recreation and environmental education
- Restoration and preservation of native wildlife habitats through sustainable best management practices
The $6.5 million multi-phase Purple Creek and Freedom Ridge Drainage Project was funded through a combination of federal and state resources, including ARPA funds, MCWI funding, a $1 million grant from the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF), and a $500,000 grant from Madison County.
These improvements will significantly increase detention capacity within the Purple Creek Basin, helping reduce downstream flooding while enhancing eco-tourism features such as trails, native landscaping, bridges, and interpretive signage.
“These investments are helping create a stronger, more resilient, and more beautiful Ridgeland for generations to come,” stated Mayor Gene McGee.
