Reading about the progress being made by Concordia Recreation District No. 3 may be enough to depress some of the long-time proponents of recreation in Natchez and Adams County. It may even make a few jealous.

It’s probably a bit frustrating to see that in a few short years the parish recreation district has made great strides in planning and preparing for its new recreation facility.

Several years of planning culminated last week in the recreation board signing an engineering contract, the latest step in making the construction of a new facility a reality.

On the east side of the Mississippi, recreation has been a topic for discussion for a few decades, not just a few years. But the years of talking have resulted in no tangible progress.

But that may change soon.

Just as the folks in Vidalia have taken the lead on recreation, Natchez and Adams County may be poised to follow a close second if the citizens say they want our elected representatives to support it.

November’s special election to fill the unexpired term left after the death of Sheriff Ronny Brown also includes a non-binding referendum on the recreation issue. Consider the referendum a county-wide survey to see if the public supports the idea of creating

It’s the perfect way for citizens to express their interest in and support for an investment in Adams County’s future and quality of life.

And, it’s a great way to join in with Vidalia in giving recreation the proper support it needs.

Rather than looking across the river and being jealous, we need to work together and realize that a great recreation facility in Vidalia and a great facility in Natchez only makes the Miss-Lou that much better and that much more capable.