Ridgeland to vote on tourism tax to expand park
RIDGELAND — A $50 million expansion of Freedom Ridge Park will be on the ballot in November, funded by a 2-percent tax increase on hotels and a 1-percent increase on restaurants.
Mayor Gene F. McGee said the proposed expansion would roughly double the park’s size. Specific amenities include pickleball courts, soccer fields, and baseball fields.
“This has been a needed expansion for some time,” McGee said. “We are excited.”
Proponents of the tax, including city officials and their tourism arm Explore Ridgeland, say that if approved, the project would unlock new opportunities for large-scale regional and national tournaments, resulting in a significant boost in visitation, hotel occupancy, restaurant revenue, and retail activity as well as improve the quality of life of city residents who will have more recreational opportunities available to them.
Current estimates have the expansion at $50 million, but McGee said they will not know the final price tag until they engage experts like a landscape architect to design the project.
Residents of Ridgeland can on Nov. 5 will vote on a referendum proposing a temporary 2-percent tax increase on hotels and a 1-percent tax increase on restaurants within city limits.
The revenue generated from the new tax will be dedicated solely to expanding Freedom Ridge Park. McGee said this will further enhance the city’s recreational facilities and position Ridgeland as a premier tournament and event destination.
“Our city has long been a leader in outdoor recreation and quality of life for our residents,” McGee said. “The proposed enhancements to Freedom Ridge Park will provide much-needed improvements to our recreational facilities, allowing us to host larger tournaments and events. This is a great opportunity for Ridgeland to build on its legacy as a thriving, family-oriented community.”
The referendum has received support from numerous Ridgeland hotel and restaurant owners and patrons who understand the opportunities it would bring, McGee said.
Ridgeland boasts one of the lowest tourist taxes in the state, McGee said. The proposed tax increase is temporary and will dissolve once the project is fully funded.
If approved by voters, McGee said they would like to start collecting the tax in January to determine projected monthly income from restaurants and hotels in the city. The city would then likely issue revenue bonds after a price tag is determined for the project. McGee said when the project is complete and the bonds are paid off the tax will “go away.”
Chris Chapman, CEO/President of Explore Ridgeland, said she expected the expansion to have a positive impact on commerce and travel in the city.
“At Explore Ridgeland, we are committed to showcasing the best our city has to offer, and the proposed enhancements to Freedom Ridge Park are a significant step forward in that mission,” said Chapman. “The expansion will not only provide our residents with top-notch recreational facilities, but it will also position Ridgeland as a premier destination for larger and more prestigious tournaments. This will generate substantial economic benefits for our local businesses and further elevate Ridgeland's reputation as a vibrant, thriving sports community.”
The proposed expansion includes the addition of several new amenities, including:
• Lit pickleball courts
• Regulation baseball/softball fields – accommodating up to 100 teams per weekend
• New batting cages with artificial turf
• Officials’ Headquarters
• Full-size artificial turf soccer fields for ages six through adult
• Festival and special events area
• Multi-use trails connecting with Ridgeland’s existing trail system
• Playgrounds
• Pavilions available for rent
• Additional restrooms
The city had to ask the Legislature to approve the referendum.
The Legislature approved the request during the 2024 session.
For more information on the Freedom Ridge Park expansion referendum put out by the city, please visit https://www.ridgelandms.org/referendum-2024-2/.