There are many reasons why Meridian is such is great place to live. Outstanding restaurants, top-notch entertainment, economic growth and development just to name a few.

Recently, I have had the honor of working on a downtown beautification project with a group of dedicated individuals. This project has made me realize there is a strong commitment to voluntarily helping for the good of others in our community.

The project began as an idea from the EMBDC Image Committee. For several years, beautification has been one of the committee’s three main initiatives. The main goal of the committee is promoting a positive image for Meridian and Lauderdale County.

When the City of Meridian approached us with the plans to improve the aesthetics of the park located behind the old Raynor’s Drug on Fourth Street and 23rd Avenue, the group eagerly agreed to take on the project. Some of the tree removing and removal of the brick retainer wall had already taken place and the first steps to creating Monument Park began.

On November 14th, a group of volunteers contributed their time and talents and to spruce up the overgrown park. More than 30 volunteers worked to shovel dirt, lay bricks, fill gravel and accomplish other landscaping tasks. Participants from the City of Meridian, EMBDC Image Committee, Bridge Builders, Kimbrell Ruffer, AmeriCorps as well as local businesses and community volunteers gathered to enhance the look of our downtown.

I arrived at the worksite (not quite as early as some) and was immediately impressed by the work already taking place. Everyone from the Mayor to a group of young Bridge Builder volunteers were busy spreading gravel and digging up weeds in an overgrown flower bed. Volunteers trimmed trees and formed a sidewalk before we gathered for hotdogs at lunch. By the end of the work-day, everyone was pleased by the accomplishments made during the five-hour event. I proudly witnessed the teamwork and cooperation experienced by everyone.

The support of the Monument Park venture is overwhelming. Nothing says community pride more than both young and old working side-by-side to create a better Meridian. This has to be one of the most gratifying partnership experiences that I’ve ever seen.

The Monument Park project has joined local residents, business leaders, and community volunteers, all working towards a common goal – making Meridian and Lauderdale County a more beautiful place to live.

It’s not too late to make a difference. There are many ways others can get involved through in-kind donations or volunteering. The satisfaction and pride that comes from helping our community will ultimately lead to a place where everyone can enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Laura Davis is chair of the East Mississippi Business Development Corp.'s Image Committee.

By Laura Davis

special to the star



There are many reasons why Meridian is such is great place to live. Outstanding restaurants, top-notch entertainment, economic growth and development just to name a few.

Recently, I have had the honor of working on a downtown beautification project with a group of dedicated individuals. This project has made me realize there is a strong commitment to voluntarily helping for the good of others in our community.

The project began as an idea from the EMBDC Image Committee. For several years, beautification has been one of the committee’s three main initiatives. The main goal of the committee is promoting a positive image for Meridian and Lauderdale County.

When the City of Meridian approached us with the plans to improve the aesthetics of the park located behind the old Raynor’s Drug on Fourth Street and 23rd Avenue, the group eagerly agreed to take on the project. Some of the tree removing and removal of the brick retainer wall had already taken place and the first steps to creating Monument Park began.

On November 14th, a group of volunteers contributed their time and talents and to spruce up the overgrown park. More than 30 volunteers worked to shovel dirt, lay bricks, fill gravel and accomplish other landscaping tasks. Participants from the City of Meridian, EMBDC Image Committee, Bridge Builders, Kimbrell Ruffer, AmeriCorps as well as local businesses and community volunteers gathered to enhance the look of our downtown.

I arrived at the worksite (not quite as early as some) and was immediately impressed by the work already taking place. Everyone from the Mayor to a group of young Bridge Builder volunteers were busy spreading gravel and digging up weeds in an overgrown flower bed. Volunteers trimmed trees and formed a sidewalk before we gathered for hotdogs at lunch. By the end of the work-day, everyone was pleased by the accomplishments made during the five-hour event. I proudly witnessed the teamwork and cooperation experienced by everyone.

The support of the Monument Park venture is overwhelming. Nothing says community pride more than both young and old working side-by-side to create a better Meridian. This has to be one of the most gratifying partnership experiences that I’ve ever seen.

The Monument Park project has joined local residents, business leaders, and community volunteers, all working towards a common goal – making Meridian and Lauderdale County a more beautiful place to live.

It’s not too late to make a difference. There are many ways others can get involved through in-kind donations or volunteering. The satisfaction and pride that comes from helping our community will ultimately lead to a place where everyone can enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Laura Davis is chair of the East Mississippi Business Development Corp.'s Image Committee.