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Percy Quin State Park visitors were encouraged to sign a newly painted tank Friday morning. Several signatures came from Louisiana residents visiting the park. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)

Kristin Hines is the MDWFP Event Coordinator. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)

Children climb up to a bouncy house at the grand re-opening of Percy Quin State Park. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)

A child takes a big bite out of a doughnut at the Percy Quin State Park re-opening Friday. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)

MCCOMB — A crowd of people gathered at Percy Quin State Park’s Outdoor Chapel for the celebration of a grand re-opening of the park Friday. Last September, the park’s RV campground  closed to guests as renovations were underway. 

Brian Ferguson, Chief of Parks Staff for Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, reflected on the day following the closure of the park. He learned quickly how much people cared about Percy Quin. 

“I had about two years experience in the system. The park closed Sept. 4, 2023, I learned on Sept. 5, 2023 how important it was to people,” Ferguson said. “My phone and emails blew up. I didn’t do anything else that day or week except return calls and messages. I realized how important this park is and how passionate people were about this park.”
Ferguson joked he did not know how important halloween is at Percy Quin. The state park reopened just in time for Halloween with many new improvements. 

Park manager Josh Hinton said the crowd sat on a new threshold Friday as the park unveiled a new era in its history. Percy Quin was first completed in 1935 and is one of the oldest state parks in Mississippi. 

“There will hopefully be new lasting memories for all who visit. There are more than just physical improvements here,” Hinton said. “We appreciate the department’s dedication to enhancing Percy Quin. It is a treasure and it will remain a place of relaxation for years to come. May the upgrades be enjoyed by all.” 

Work to restore

The project started with widening the bridge over the Tangipahoa River on the state park dam to two lanes. Ferguson said he hopes to turn it into a tourist attraction by offering a place for people to engrave locks of love and leave on the bridge. He added maybe they could come back 20 years later and find their lock of love. 

Camp ground infrastructure was improved along with 122 fully renovated campground sites. Non-Civil Conservation Corps Cabins were renovated first. 

MDWFP is not quite finished with work at Percy Quin. One of their plans is to restore the historical cabins built by the Civil Conservation Corps when they are able to. Plans are to restore the camp store and pool. Tennis and pickleball court renovations are also on the list. 

Ferguson added there is a project in motion to add Wifi to the state park. 

“This is a beautiful place. It’s a perfect, imperfect space. We are proud to have brought it back to life,” Ferguson said. “None of this would be possible without the agency.” 

Ferguson said the RV park filled up quickly and people were so eager to reserve their spots after the grand re-opening it crashed the server for a little bit. People can visit mdwfp.com/parks-destinations to find their next adventure at Mississippi State Parks. 

Renovated campground named

MDWFP Executive Director Lynn Posey said he was honored to be associated with the group of men and women who work for the department. They “serve the public every day to the best of their ability,” Posey added. 

A former state representative, Posey had the chance to recognize a former colleague of his, Clem Nettles. The former representative served Pike and Walthall Counties from 1988 to 2004 and was on the Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks committee. 

Posey said Nettles dedicated his life to those he represented and had a great passion for wildlife conservation. 

“He had a deep connection with Percy Quin State Park. It is only fitting that we commemorate his legacy today. We thank the Nettles family for allowing us to honor him,” Posey said. “Today I designate the campground as Clem Nettles Campground.” 

Clem’s son Tony Nettles spoke to the crowd about his father. His mother Essie Nettles, 92, listened as Tony spoke. 

He said his dad may have felt conflicted Friday. He would have been proud about the renovation work completed at Percy Quin State Park but he was not one to look for recognition. 

“He pushed the golf course, tennis courts and other things here where he left his finger prints. When he was in the legislature, he sat there for days trying to help people,” Tony Nettles said. “This is a great way to remember his legacy. It was his passion. He wanted to leave his mark on this community.” 

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