Page 76 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2019

GAUTIER
GAUTIER KNOWN AS NATURE’S PLAYGROUND
story and photos courtesy of The City of Gautier
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228.497.8000 www.gautier-ms.gov
The City of Gautier is improving its systems and tapping into its identity as Nature’s Playground to keep residents happy and visitors engaged. In 2018, much of the focus was on infrastructure and recreation.
“My goals have been to improve and expand infrastructure to accommodate increased economic development and provide a
better quality of life and more recreational opportunities,” City Manager Paula Yancey said.
In that vein, the city hosted a successful Paint the Town Plein Air art contest, which drew artists from all over the region to enjoy Gautier’s scenic charm. Similarly, the community embraced the second annual Cruisin’ the Coast event, with Cruisin’ Through
the Decades having nearly 400 registered classic cars.
A popular farmers market became a highly successful monthly attraction, and residents enjoyed outdoor movie nights and holiday events. Gautier also laid the groundwork for a new asphalt
fitness trail at George Martin City Park; a pedestrian boardwalk
and historic log cabin welcome center at Shepard State Park; and a premier park, entertainment venue and green space called Town Commons Park in the center of town.
Infrastructure improvements to Pine Cone Drive, Robert Hiram Road and Bemis Avenue are in the works, as well as a 12-year capital improvements plan meant to upgrade water and sewer systems in three phases. “To me, that’s removing two clouds from over the city –— the clarity of
our water and problems with raw sewage,” Mayor Phil Torjusen said. “These are two major infrastructure issues we’ll be fixing.”
There was also growth from
the private sector. Bienville Orthopedic Specialists expanded twice in 2018, and Merchants and Marine Bank broke ground on a new branch. The Gautier Commerce Center opened and is now offering condo-type office
76 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • January 2019
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