MDWFP helps Hattiesburg Art Center develop children’s outdoor learning center

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi (WDAM) – The State of Mississippi is helping the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center develop a new outdoor learning zone for children.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has awarded a “Youth Engagement Initiative Grant” for the construction of a community garden and outdoor classroom at the HCAC at 825, Main Street.

On Saturday, staff and volunteers painted raised flower beds in preparation for spring planting at the community garden.

They also painted picnic benches, which will be used for outdoor classroom activities.

“When everything is in place, we’ll have beautiful, colorful raised beds filled with native wildflowers and things to help our pollinators,” said Emily Gallaspy, director of the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center. “We’ll have picnic tables here, so that we can do outdoor classes, art classes.

“In the spring we’ll probably paint birdhouses and teach the kids about pollination and different things and hopefully the whole community can use it. “

The HCAC is also preparing to host a new season of after-school arts programs on Thursdays, starting January 20.

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