NATCHEZ — City officials and residents both voiced concerns this week about the future of Duncan Park.

Resident Westley Owens appeared before the Natchez Board of Aldermen at its Tuesday meeting to share her neighborhood’s opposition to a potential wellness center in the park.

Owens said Friday she and her neighbors are also concerned about illegal activity that happens in the park after dark. She said park visitors have found drug paraphernalia and evidence of other illicit activities near the old swimming pool and bike trails.

Ward 3 Alderwoman Sarah Smith and Ward 6 Alderman Dan Dillard, in whose ward Duncan Park sits, share the neighboring residents’ concerns.

The tennis courts close at 10:30 p.m., which may be too late, Dillard said. He said perhaps 8 p.m. would be a better time to close the park.

“If people wanted to play tennis later than that and it became a problem, we could maybe just close of the back part of the park at night,” Dillard said.

Dillard and Smith both said they may be in favor of putting up a gate in Duncan Park so vehicle traffic would not be allowed in the park when it is closed.

“That wouldn’t stop someone from walking in there, but it would restrict vehicle activity,” Dillard said.
The first step to eliminating after-dark illegal activity in Duncan Park, Dillard said, is increasing police presence in the park.

Smith said she hopes a solution is found in order to ensure the park is used for its sole purpose.

“It’s a park, and first and foremost, it needs to be used as a park and not for any other activities, especially illegal ones,” Smith said.

As far as the wellness center that city officials have discussed, Owens and Dillard say they think Liberty Park would be a better fit for a center, especially if it had a swimming pool. Building the center in Liberty Park would give it better access and put it away from a residential area, Dillard said.