Renovations have continued at Walkiah Bluff Park, cleaning up the facilities to make the park more attractive for county residents and visitors.

With the help of Pearl River Basin, County Administrator Adrain Lumpkin said the county was able to renovate the pavilion, restrooms and bathhouse, add new light fixtures and clean other areas of the park.

In addition to new sewer connections for all 12 of the RV camping spaces, Lumpkin said the work also upgraded the electrical connection to each space.

The bathhouse near the campsite was also power-washed, repainted and received new motion-activated lights and fixtures, Lumpkin said.

The restrooms located on the pavilion near the boat launch were also cleaned, repainted and fitted with new lighting and fixtures, however those bathrooms will remain locked unless someone reserves the pavilion for temporary use, Lumpkin said.

Reservations will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Those who wish to hold birthday parties or other events can call the park manager to reserve the use of the pavilion, he said.

The pavilion itself got a fresh coat of white paint, while the existing concrete and wooden picnic tables were power-washed, removing much of the vandalism and dirt, Lumpkin said.

In the past, vandalism has proved to be a problem at the park, but that has declined lately due to efforts of park management and neighbors keeping a watchful eye, Lumpkin said.

The installation of more lights around the pavilion should also help deter crime, he said.

The improvements have “increased the support of the community,” Lumpkin said, with a few groups starting to go out there on a regular basis.

With the warmer weather coming, Lumpkin said he hopes to see more of the community utilize the park, especially the bright playground equipment.

The park has been open for 30 to 40 years now, but over time the condition of the facilities started to decline, Lumpkin said.

Over the last two years, the county has put a lot of effort into making it a place for county residents to go again, he said.

During a Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, the Board voted to increase the nightly fee from $15/night to $20/night, or $400 monthly to compensate for the added amenities.

The Board also voted to increase Park Manager Bobby Robbins’ salary to $500 per month for the work he has done to upgrade the park.

“I don’t think we would be where we’re at with that park if it wasn’t for him,” District II Supervisor Malcolm Perry said.

To reserve a spot at the campground or the pavilion, call Robbins at 601-590-4633.