PARKS & RECREATION RIDGELAND:
Located on McClellan Drive near Hwy 51, Hite B. Wolcott Park offers a wide variety of facilities such as baseball and softball fields, an in-line hockey rink, and a playground. Right around the corner is the Ridgeland Tennis Center, which provides Ridgeland with a 17-court tennis facility run by tennis professionals. The Ridgeland Tennis Center offers men’s and women’s locker rooms as well as a tennis pro shop to accommodate all your tennis-related needs. Friendship Park is a multi-purpose park with its neighborhood clearly in mind. Located at 475 Lake Harbour Drive, this family-oriented park comes with a large pavilion, walking/jogging trail, fitness court, playground equipment, and restroom facilities. The Pavilion and trails are lit for your convenience. The Pavilion can be rented for parties. Ridgeland’s signature park, Freedom Ridge Park, is located at 235 School Street. This large 50-acre athletic facility is perfect for a family outing. Freedom Ridge Park sports fields such as soccer and softball as well as playgrounds and walking trails. Freedom Ridge Park has all the desired elements of a city park. The park also has plenty of pavilions where families can enjoy snacks and beverages from the concession stands. If you want something closer to the water, visit the Old Trace Park. Situated right next to the Ross Barnett Reservoir, the Old Trace Park is an open space where families can come and enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Reservoir. Old Trace Park also hosts various different events thought the year, including the annual Dragon Boat Regatta. If you enjoy biking, Ridgeland is the place for you. With over 122 miles of trails, which are used for biking, running, or walking, Ridgeland has received the Bicycle Friendly Community Bronze Award.
MADISON:
At the heart of the City of Madison lies its signature park, Liberty Park. Home to Rosa Scott Ninth Grade School, St. Paul’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, and various softball and soccer fields, Liberty Park is one of the central hubs of the Madison community. Liberty Park offers a playground, batting cages, two beach volleyball courts, and a concession stand. Due to its centrality, Liberty Park hosts various community events throughout the year, including RelayFor-Life. It also contains an archery range. Further back into the residential area of the city of Madison is Strawberry Patch Park. This seven-mile quaint neighborhood park is known for its scenic atmosphere. Located off Old Canton Road, across the street from Madison Ridgeland Academy, Strawberry Patch Park offers a walking trail that winds its way around a onemile lake, playground equipment, and various picnic areas. In the corner of the park sits the beautiful Strawberry Patch Chapel.
OTHER:
At the Madison Ridgeland Youth Club, numerous youth sports are offered year-round. With leagues in baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and cheerleading, the Madison Ridgeland Youth Club provides children ages 5 to 14 an opportunity to compete in the many parks within both municipalities. While most leagues compete on a local level, some teams play up to a national and state level. Registration for 2017 spring baseball started in December; registration for 2017 spring softball begins January 1. For more information about the Madison Ridgeland Youth Club, visit mryouthclub.com.
CANTON: The city of Canton offers two locations that host sporting and community events: the Canton Sports Complex and the Canton Multipurpose & Equine Center. Each has been used for sporting events in the past; however, the Canton Multipurpose & Equine Center has sponsored various community events such as concerts and rodeos. Its 2016 calendar included events with the Mississippi Reigning Horses Association and the Magnolia Cutting Horse Association. A balloon glow also took place in July 2016 with great success.
NEWCOMER’S GUIDE 2022 | 45
