Picayune residents will be able to use the Crosby Commons walking track once again starting Monday at 5 a.m.

According to a release from the city of Picayune, the track will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning Monday. The reopening of the track is being deemed a soft opening of the park, since residents will be asked not to walk on the grass that was just installed in order to give it time to become established. A grand opening will be held on Nov. 6 at 10 a.m.

Several additions have been made to the park, including 24 weatherproof speakers along the track that will play music from a variety of genres. City Manager Jim Luke said the speakers were provided through a $8,000 donation from Picayune Main Street, which received the funds from a grant from Visit Mississippi. That grant also paid for two speakers on the amphitheater.

“That’s going to be a big highlight,” Luke said.

Public Works Director Eric Morris said the current plan is to allow the music to play from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. He said that plan may change in the future. The speakers will also be used during performances at the park.

Lights are now installed along the walking track, and will be lit according to the seasons. Currently the lighting schedule is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

One other addition to the park was the installation of RV hookups for water and electricity. Morris said the hookups are aligned with Sixth Avenue so the vehicles can park on that road and be close enough to connect to the utilities.

Donor funded benches are also ready for use along the sides of the track. One bench with a wheelchair parking space was paid for with city funds, Morris said.

Other ADA features include wheelchair accessibility to the picnic tables under the oaks facing Goodyear Boulevard.

“We’re glad to be opening it back up and anxious to see what people think about it,” Morris said.

More additions are planned for the park in the near future. Morris said the installation of history markers along the track will take place soon, along with brick pavers at each marker to mesh with the current scheme.