Starkville invests $15 million in park projects, city expects strong return

The Starkville Board of Aldermen recently issued $15 million to park projects.

The new park projects are set to include the complete reconstruction of one existing park and the expansion of others in Starkville. These upgrades will provide new opportunities for outdoor activities.

Mayor Lynn Spruill expects the park projects to expand the use of local parks and recreation.

“Starkville residents can expect vastly improved park facilities that will serve them in previously underserved ways, as well as provide new, improved aspects of parks that will be added to existing features,” Spruill said.

Mayor Spruill said Starkville parks are growing in popularity and require an increase in budget. “We are increasing the footprint of the parks and are providing additional programming, and costs for basic operations have escalated dramatically over the past two years, from personnel costs to gas and equipment purchase, maintenance and repairs,” Spruill said.

Alderman Jeffrey Rupp

Starkville’s George M. Bryan Airport is set to receive $4.5 million in federal funding that will go toward building a new, larger terminal that will provide an updated environment for pilots and their passengers.

February 27, the Federal Aviation Administration announced its selections for its 2023 Airport Terminal Program. The George M. Bryan Airport was chosen for the program and is planning to use the funding to build a larger terminal and extend its runway.

Mayor Lynn Spruill said that the new terminal will give airport travelers a better impression when visiting the city.

“It’s just a much more user-friendly, customer-