Diamondhead Opens Two Kayak Launches; Ribbon Cutting Set For Friday, July 20th at 10am

Vaught Circle

The City of Diamondhead will host the official ribbon cutting with the Hancock Chamber of Commerce to announce the completion of two new city kayak launches. Residents are invited to join the Mayor and members of the City Council and other officials on Friday, July 20th at 10am at the Vaught Circle Kayak Launch, adjacent to the Diamondhead Marina just off Interstate 10. Residents and visitors can also enjoy a second launch now open at 94197 Bayou Drive.

This project is 100% grant funded, which began in 2014 when Mayor Tommy Schafer made application for funding. Funds for this project were appropriated by the Mississippi Legislature, 2016 Tidelands Trust Fund, through the Secretary of State, Delbert Hosemann, and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. A total Tidelands Trust Fund grant of $369,750 was approved in January 2015. The Vaught Circle Kayak launch was constructed using Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund derived from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment and matched with the Tidelands funds.

The City built the project following guidelines from the MS Department of Marine Resources and Federal agencies to insure impacts to wetlands, endangered species and habitat and the environment were minimal. The city’s intent is to keep the environment in its natural state and let residents and visitors enjoy the natural beauty and wetland areas while traversing the kayak trail. Kayakers will be able to launch at either site and kayak 9.5 miles down Rotten Bayou / Jourdan River areas. Both park areas are open daily from 6am—8:30pm.
Diamondhead is recognized across the country as the smartest city in Mississippi, the Best Place to Live and one of the Top 10 Livable Cities in the State for its amenities, quality of life, low crime rate, access to employment, education and affordable housing. To stay connected to news and events in Diamondhead and find online payment services, maps and other helpful links, go to www.diamondhead.ms.gov. Residents can also sign up for the regular eblast @diamondhead.ms.gov or Text “DIAMONDHEAD” TO 22828 OR CALL City Hall at 228-222-4626.

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