Natchez tourism officials recently announced early plans to turn the former tollbooth colonnades area into a special park to commemorate the city’s 300 years of existence.

We think the idea is a great one and may actually provide a good use for what has long been a bit of a confusing spot for tourists. Countless times, we’ve seen wayward tourists pull into the colonnades area mistaking it for the main entrance into the Natchez Visitor Reception Center.

Tricentennial Park and Gardens, which has been floated as a possible name, could be a great addition to the visitor experience in Natchez.

We can almost hear tourism advisers at the visitor center guide tourists to, “Walk through the Tricentennial Gardens, cross the small railroad bridge and the Fort Rosalie site will be on your left after you cross the bridge.”

With some hard work, a little vision and some sponsorship help, the garden could become a great conduit to help bring people from the visitor center and to the high river perch upon which Natchez was permanently founded in 1716.

At the end of the day, the more Natchez can utilize the excitement and exposure the Natchez Tricentennial brings to create longer-lasting improvements to the city, the better off we’ll all be as we wind down our first 300 years and begin living our next 300.