After a tax referendum initially failed to pass in 2024, Ridgeland voters gave their approval of a temporary sales tax increase that will fund an expansion of Freedom Ridge Park in the central Mississippi city.
The measure missed a 60% approval threshold in the November 2024 general election, though a bill, House Bill 1777, was easily approved in the state legislature to allow for another voting opportunity. Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee said that focus on federal and statewide elections in a contentious cycle contributed to referendum failing the first time around.
Ridgeland residents overwhelmingly approved a 2% tax increase on hotels and 1% increase on restaurants within city limits by a vote of 1,364 (74.5%) to 473 (25.7%) to fund a large-scale expansion of the local park.
The tax increases, which will phase out after the expansion project is fully funded, will enlarge the Freedom Ridge Park facility, along with adding a collection of new amenities to enable the park to host premier sports tournaments and events. City officials believe the project will open a major revenue valve for Ridgeland.
“Our city has long been a leader in outdoor recreation and quality of life for our residents. The proposed enhancements to Freedom Ridge Park will provide much-needed improvements to our recreation facilities, allowing us to host larger tournaments and events,” McGee said ahead of the 2024 vote. “This is a great opportunity for Ridgeland to build on its legacy as a thriving, family-oriented community.”
The hope for city leaders and citizens alike is that expansion and renovation of the park will attract large-scale regional and national baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments, boosting tourism revenue, hotel occupancy, restaurant patronage, and retail activity.
Expansion designs will enable Freedom Ridge to host as many as 100 teams at one time, potentially bringing in upwards of $700,000 in revenue per tournament. In the facility’s current state, hosting capacity is limited to 24 teams.
The park expansion will include:
- Pickleball courts with lighting
- Regulation baseball/softball fields
- New batting cages with artificial turf
- Dedicated headquarters for game officials
- Full-size artificial turf soccer fields for ages six through adult
- Festival and special events area
- Multi-use trails connecting with Ridgeland’s existing trail system
- Playgrounds
- Pavilions available for rent
- Additional restrooms
Local business leaders have also publicly given the temporary tax increases a thumbs up, noting that the park hosting large events could have a trickle-down effect on the surrounding economy.
“The expansion will not only provide our residents with top-notch recreational facilities, but it will also position Ridgeland as a premier destination for larger and more prestigious tournaments,” Chris Chapman of Explore Ridgeland said. “This will generate substantial economic benefits for our local businesses and further elevate Ridgeland’s reputation as a vibrant, thriving sports community.”
The city of Ridgeland currently holds one of the lowest tourist taxes in the state, set at 1% since 1997.
