By Paige Gurgainers

A Zoom meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19 from 11 – 12 p.m. for Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission (WPCVC) to further discuss details surrounding Miller Quarters Park. This meeting will focus on the structures that will be installed on the site, including restrooms, pavilions, playground equipment, etc.  

According to WPCVC Executive Director Serena Gray, the next formal meeting is tentatively scheduled for the first week of April where the teams will meet to go over further details and review that information collectively, adjusting where needed.  

The WPCVC expects to receive a final cost analysis and phasing plan by May 15 of this year.  

“Once we have the phasing plan, we will know how soon we can break ground, to start fundraising and applying for grants,” said Gray. “By the end of this year, I really believe if we haven’t broken ground on at least one section of the park then we would have at least generated a substantial amount of revenue just because the community is very supportive of this project.” 

The WPCVC has also landed on a branding design put together by Rachel Miller with Parish Design Co.  

“Rachel will be reaching out to Tom who oversees the Tech School of Design, and they are working on putting the final concepts together for us to review,” said Gray.  

Another upcoming project, expected to begin by the end of this month, is a mural along Lee Street.  

“Some of the students thought it would be fun to have a mural wall. It would also include the Miller Quarters name on the corner. We are waiting for the final design for that,” said Gray.  

This mural project will begin just in time for ‘Love the Boot Week.’ This event will take place on April 19-28 with each individual city having their own designated day to focus on clean-up and beautification projects.  

This year the WPCVC is collaborating with the City of Minden and the Greater Minden Chamber to host this event on April 25. They are also sponsoring the clean-up kits that will include tools and a shirt for participants.  

According to Gray they will be focusing on cleaning up parking lots around town, picking up litter along Highway 531 and Highway 80.  

Gray announced, “The morning of the 25th will be launching a team of people on kayaks to clean the bayou if there is trash from Sarepta to Cotton Valley or Dixie Inn to Sibley.” 

An after party will be held at Miller Quarters Park. The WPCVC is currently seeking sponsorships to provide food, entertainment and door prizes.