Ridgeland leaders pushing hotel tax increase

RIDGELAND — Tourism officials say a proposed tax increase on hotels and restaurants to fund improvements to Freedom Ridge Park will be a boon for residents.

On June 3, Ridgeland voters will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum proposing a temporary 2 percent tax increase on hotels and a 1 percent tax increase on restaurants within the city limits. The proposed tax increase is temporary and will dissolve once the project is fully funded.

The revenue generated from this tax will be used for a proposed expansion of Freedom Ridge Park.

Chris Chapman, CEO/President of Explore Ridgeland,  said the expansion will further enhance the city's recreational facilities and position Ridgeland as a premier tournament and event destination.

“This is the equipment Ridgeland residents need in order to play sports at home,” Chapman said.

The proposed expansion would roughly double the park’s size. Specific amenities include pickleball courts, soccer fields, and baseball fields.

The project is currently estimated to cost around $50 million dollars, but city officials have said they will not know a final price until they are able to enter the design phase of the project.

“Sports tourism is a key market for our city already known for elevated shopping, dining, lodging, and outdoor recreation,” Chapman said. “The Freedom Ridge Park expansion would become a premier facility driving more tournament visitation and boosting the local economy.”

Shane Aldridge, who currently serves as the general manager of the AC Hotel in the Township and is slated to replace Chapman at the end of June upon her retirement, said that nearly 90 percent of hotel guests in Ridgeland are not local. He said the tax will, in a way, have visitors paying for the improvements to Ridgeland residents’ “backyard.”

According to Chapman, the total economic impact of visitors in Ridgeland annually exceeds $130 million, generating over $16 million in state and local tax revenues that are not borne by Ridgeland residents. 

“This stay and play sports development benefits every family in Ridgeland and enhances our quality of life,” Chapman said.

Chapman said one weekend tournament with as many as 100 teams could have an estimated economic impact of around $700,000 as the teams and their families eat in Ridgeland’s restaurants, stay in local hotels and visit Ridgeland’s retail stores over a three-day weekend.

Mayor Gene F. McGee has called the proposed expansion “needed.” Following approval from the legislature, the Ridgeland Board of Aldermen approved the referendum at their regular meeting at the beginning of the month.

“Our City has long been a leader in providing our residents an outstanding quality of life, and exceptional outdoor recreation is a key part of that commitment. This expansion will enhance those opportunities and bring a significant economic boost to Ridgeland, allowing us to host national tournaments and much more,” McGee said. “This is a great opportunity for Ridgeland to build on its legacy as a thriving, family-oriented 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

This will be the city’s second attempt to pass the tax. The item failed to receive the 60 percent of the vote required to pass during the Presidential Election in November.

For more information on the Freedom Ridge Park expansion referendum and how it will impact the City of Ridgeland, visit https://www.ridgelandms.org/june-3rd-referendum/.