The City of Picayune Public Works Department is currently working on upgrading some of the facilities at Friendship Park.

Director of Operations Harvey Miller said that over the last week the department has been replacing some of the worn out structures at the park. Repairs include replacing some of the rotten structures in Kids Kingdom to address safety concerns. Part of that work includes replacing rotten wood pilings, Miller said.

He said the department is also considering installing a concrete curb around the splash pad to allow for better drainage.

Miller said these improvements are part of other efforts to upgrade the park to attract more people to the area, such as fixes at four of the park’s baseball fields.  He said the department has several plans to upgrade aspects of the park, and are currently seeking grants and organizing fundraisers to help pay for those improvements.

A committee is expected to be formed in the next 30 days to organize fundraisers and seek those grants, Miller said.  If funds are available the city’s long-term goal is to repair and install restrooms, fix the fences and perform improvements to the splash pad, he said.