Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Downtown Hattiesburg received three honors at the Mississippi Main Street 2025 Annual Awards Luncheon, highlighting local efforts to strengthen the downtown area through planning, public art and community leadership.
The awards included:
Outstanding Main Street Plan for the Downtown Hattiesburg Roadmap. This document provides a strategic vision for guiding future growth in the downtown area. It identifies key priorities for land use, transportation, economic development and infrastructure improvements. The roadmap serves as a tool for aligning public and private investment and encouraging development that supports a vibrant, accessible and economically sustainable downtown.
Outstanding Public Arts Project for Heritage Music Park. Created by local artist Wes Hanson, the installation is located at the Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center. The park was developed through a partnership between the City of Hattiesburg and the Hattiesburg Arts Council. It includes interactive musical sculptures and serves as a venue for free performances, arts markets and educational programming throughout the year. The space was designed to enhance public engagement with the arts and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
Main Street Hero awarded to Betsy Mercier, director of Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation. Mercier was honored for her ongoing leadership in downtown beautification, event coordination and community engagement. Her work includes organizing seasonal programs, maintaining public spaces and collaborating with local partners to increase public access to recreational and cultural activities in the heart of the city.
These recognitions highlight the impact of coordinated efforts to support Downtown Hattiesburg’s role as a center for economic activity, cultural expression and community connection. The city, in partnership with local organizations and residents, continues to focus on projects that enhance the downtown experience and contribute to the overall growth of Hattiesburg.
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