The Highland Park swimming pool in Meridian will now be known as the Barbara Henson Aquatic Center, per the mayor and city council.

Henson, who spent 28 years as a member of the city council, served Ward 3 for the last time Tuesday night, but the retiring public servant was not expecting the extravagant honor.

“I want to express my surprise and delight for what you’ve done here tonight,” she said. “I’m just overwhelmed. You all are just very special to me, and I just thank you more than  you’ll ever know.”

Henson owns Barbara Henson’s Nursery School, Kindergarten & Swim Gym. According to the city’s website, she serves as president of Mississippi Child Care Providers Association; president of Meridian Child Care Providers Association; and president of Semmes Cemetery Association. She is also a member of the National Child Care Association and the Republican Election Advisory Board.

Mayor Percy Bland also proclaimed the week of June 20-25 Barbara Henson Days in Meridian.

In other action, the city council approved the following items:

– an order authorizing submittal of a grant application for bulletproof vests from the Department of Justice

– an order authorizing submittal of a grant application for the Domestic Violence Prevention Program from the state department of health

– an order accepting an $84,533 bid from H.E. Mosley, Inc., for slope stabilization of the Highland Park bridge on 19th Street

 – an order authorizing Ovivo USA, LLC., as the sole source supplier of components for column-supported thickener.

The rezoning appeal of 328 North Hills Street was removed from the agenda per the request of the owner’s attorney.