The city of Ridgeland is taking a grassroots approach to get the word out to voters that the referendum to expand Freedom Ridge Park will be on the ballot of June 3.
Digital advertising on a local television station, yard signing and social media posts by athletes who play softball at the park will be used to educate voters about the referendum.
“It’s going to be more organic and grassroots,” said Chris Chapman, president and chief executive officer at Visit Ridgeland.
On June 3, a voter will cast a ballot by selecting either “For the tax’’ or “Against the tax.”
If passed, the referendum would allow the city of Ridgeland to collect another 1 percent on the gross proceeds of all sales from restaurants and another 2 percent on the gross proceeds of all sales at hotels and motels within the city limits. The increase would be in addition to other taxes that are in place.
“If you go to Newk’s in Ridgeland and spend $10, you’ll pay an extra dime,” Chapman said.
The revenue generated from the additional tax would be dedicated to the expansion of Freedom Ridge Park at 235 E. School St., Chapman said.
Expanding the park would be an enhancement of the city’s recreational facilities and position the city as a premier tournament and event destination, she said.
Digital advertising about the referendum will cost about $3,000, which is the same as what it was to mail postcards to residents to let them know the referendum would be on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot, Chapman said.
Two businesses in Ridgeland are paying for yard signs to promote the referendum, she said, and residents and families of athletes who play softball at Freedom Ridge Park will also help push it on social media.
The referendum was on the November ballot for the first try, but it failed. The measure did not receive the necessary 60 percent to pass; the final vote was 5,234 for the referendum and 4,095 against it.
Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee believes the reason the referendum was not successful is because it was on the same ballot as the presidential election. “Getting it mixed up in a national election was not a good idea,” he said.
Many voters failed to realize they should turn their ballots over on the back and, for that reason, did not cast a vote for the referendum, Chapman said.
Some voters have also said they didn’t know enough about the referendum to vote in favor of it, so they voted against it in November, she said.
Chapman wants voters to know that the temporary tax increase would be a good thing because Freedom Ridge Park after expansion would be able to accommodate bigger tournaments and draw more visitors to the city.
The proposed expansion includes the addition of several new amenities:
- Lighted pickleball courts
- Regulation baseball/softball fields, accommodating up to 100 teams per weekend
- New batting cages with artificial turf
- Officials’ headquarters
- 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
The improvements that the tax would fund would give the city the ability to host tournaments for up to 100 teams each weekend and that would generate income for the city. Currently, the park can accommodate a total of 24 teams.
The improvements at Freedom Ridge Park will also enhance the quality of life for local residents, offering more recreational opportunities for
families, sports enthusiasts and the community as a whole, McGee said.
“Our city has long been a leader in providing our residents an outstanding quality of life, and exceptional outdoor recreation is a key part of that commitment. This expansion will enhance those opportunities and bring a significant economic boost to Ridgeland, allowing us to host national tournaments and much more,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for Ridgeland to build on its legacy as a thriving, family-oriented community.”
