Voters in Ridgeland will be asked to approve or reject a temporary tax increase in the city that would be used to fund an expansion of Freedom Ridge Park.
The referendum proposes a 2% tax increase on hotels and a 1% increase on restaurants within city limits in order to fund a large-scale expansion of the local park. Residents voted in favor of the proposal 5,234 to 4,095 in the November 2024 general election, but it did not reach the required 60% mark.
A measure raised in the Mississippi legislature, House Bill 1777, breezed through both chambers in the regular 2025 session and was signed by Gov. Tate Reeves on April 18, which puts the referendum back on the ballot for Ridgeland voters for the June 3 general election.
Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee told the Northside Sun that he believes the referendum being on the same ballot as federal and statewide elections caused voters to be less likely to vote yes.
The tax increases, which would phase out after the expansion project is fully funded, would enlarge the Freedom Ridge Park facility, along with adding a slew of new amenities to enable the park to host premier sports tournaments and events. City officials believe it would 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 proponents of the measure is that expansion and renovation of the park would attract large-scale regional and national baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments, boosting tourism revenue, hotel occupancy, restaurant patronage, and retail activity.
Expansion designs would enable Freedom Ridge to host as many as 100 teams at one time, bringing in upwards of $700,000 in revenue per tournament. In the facility’s current state, hosting capacity is limited to 24 teams.
Should the proposal pass with 60% approval on June 3, the expansion would 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 would have a trickle-down effect for 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.
