Another donation has been made to help bring a public park to the old location of the Eudora Welty Library in Jackson.
The Junior League of Jackson, a women’s organization with a mission that includes creating a better community, announced a $100,000 donation to the Foundation for Mississippi History to support the creation of Margaret Ann Crigler Park, a new public green space in the works for downtown.
The park will be located next to the Two Mississippi Museums, which includes the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and is designed to be a vibrant gathering place for families, students, and museum visitors. The park will feature native landscaping, an open lawn, a children’s play area, and an outdoor stage.
It will connect to Jackson’s growing Museum Trail, which is currently about three miles of walking, running, and bicycle paths conjoining different parts of the city.
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“The Junior League of Jackson is honored to play a role in the development of Margaret Ann Crigler Park,” Junior League of Jackson President Molly Griffin said. “As an extension of the Two Mississippi Museums, this innovative outdoor classroom represents a meaningful investment in our city and state. We believe it will significantly support our mission to promote academic growth as well as the health and mental well-being of children and youth.”
In 2024, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History acquired the former Eudora Welty Library property with plans to replace the building with a new public park and green space. The plans align with the original layout for Jackson from 1822, which included public green spaces on alternating blocks. Only two parks remain from the original layout: the Old Capitol Green and Smith Park.
“This project can be accomplished only with the support from community partners like the Junior League of Jackson,” MDAH director Katie Blount added. “We’re grateful for their contribution and hope it will inspire others to champion this project that enhances Mississippi’s capital city.”
The first $1 million for the Margaret Ann Crigler Park project was donated by retired businessman Noble T. Crigler with the park being named after his late wife. In March, the Community Foundation for Mississippi made a $1 million donation, and the Mississippi legislature has provided $3 million.
