Tunicas $20 million Mississippi River Park opens in 2003

Tunica County plans to begin construction on a 168-acre Tunica River Front Park, featuring a marina, visitors center and nature trails. Upon completion of all phases an estimated $20 million will be invested in the park. The slated project completion date is 2003. The first phase of construction began September 2001. This phase will include the marina and dock area, plus the road system and parking areas. "One of the questions asked by visitors who come to Tunica from all over the country is: 'Where's the Mississippi River?' " said Webster Franklin, Executive Director of the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The park will be something unique to the area and will be enjoyed by tourists and locals," Franklin added.

The marina will be dredged out of the existing river bank and provide a floating dock to accommodate large excursion boats. In addition, there will be a boat ramp for public use. A secondary docking facility to be located adjacent to the excursion dock will be built to accommodate paddle-wheel riverboats that may be traveling over long distances. The 25,000 square-foot visitors center will feature a river museum, observation deck and aquarium, as well as a concession area and gift shop. An observation deck overlooking the river will give visitors a climate-controlled environment in which to watch barges, wildlife and the river, according to Tunica County Administrator, Ken Murphree. The river park will be adjacent to Fitzgerald's Casino, which donated most of the river park land to the County. "We're trying to develop ways to enhance the tourism opportunities of Tunica," Murphree said.

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