Long Beach cuts the ribbon Wednesday on its new gateway, where people can swing overlooking the water and admire the signature tower that welcomes visitors and residents to the beach.
The grand opening ceremony is at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the beachfront near the harbor.
This phase of the project includes a tower that resembles a lighthouse and anchors the project. It also has double swings with views of the beach, showers, palm trees and other landscaping and lighting.
The Long Beach Gateway is designed to create a community place for residents and visitors, who are drawn to the city by the Cruisin’ The Coast parade each year, the many Jeep events and other celebrations.
The next phase of the gateway will add pavilions, benches, bike racks and more amenities.
This is the second gateway project revealed recently in South Mississippi to add personality to Coast cities. Ocean Springs dedicated two new sculptures at the base of the Biloxi Bay Bridge, at the west entrance to the city, also off Beach Boulevard.
The tower at the new Long Beach Gateway resembles a lighthouse and anchors the new park on the beach. Another phase of improvements and amenities is planned. Mary Perez Sun Herald
Mary has won numerous awards for her business and casino articles for the Sun Herald. She also writes about Biloxi, jobs and the new restaurants and development coming to the Coast. She is a fourth-generation journalist.Â