Plans to beautify Meridian's downtown with Monument Park at 4th Street and 23rd Avenue were revealed at the city council meeting Tuesday. Officials say it's the first of more projects to come.

Mayor Cheri Barry, along with a representative from the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, informed the council about the project.

It will spruce up the park directly behind the old Rayner Drug Store downtown.

"The park is for all of this community to enjoy," said Barry. "It's going to be beautiful."

Barry says a monument honoring the city's first fire chief will be moved to the area from Highland Park. A picket fence, park benches, swing and community vegetable garden will also be located at the site.

Work has already started in the area around the park. Damaged concrete from the sidewalk has been removed and is waiting to be replaced.

"We are asking for volunteers now," said Laura Davis of the EMBDC Image Committee. "It is a volunteer project, so with the time table, we hope within six months you'll see a finished project."

Once Monument Park is finished, officials with the city and EMBDC's Image Committee say they plan to take on other beautification projects within the city and county.

City Administrator Mark McDonald says Velma Young Park is on that list but at this time there's no word when work on that, or the next project will start.

The first volunteer work day for Monument Park is Saturday, Nov. 14. The public is encouraged to help. Organizers plan to use volunteer labor and donations to complete most of the work. For more information, call the EMBDC at 601-693-1306.