As the season changes we find ourselves in the midst of fall festivities and the anticipation of Halloween. For Meridian, this time of year is particularly fun, as it offers a cornucopia of activities and spooktacular Halloween celebrations, especially for our youngest residents. As your Mayor of this family-focused community, it brings me joy to be part of the sense of togetherness and excitement we all share during this fall season.

Just last week, we celebrated the much-anticipated opening of Discovery Park Phase 2, a remarkable addition to our city's recreational offerings. Phase two of this destination park has been carefully designed to captivate residents of all ages, catering to the diverse interests and passions that make our community unique. In this extraordinary park, you will find something for everyone. For instance, the Active Area is a sports haven that features a host of facilities to indulge in athletic pursuits. It boasts six pickleball courts, dual-striped tennis courts, bocce ball courts, a 40-yard dash challenge, and basketball courts. This area is a testament to our commitment to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle among our residents.

Our Teen Area, on the other hand, provides a space where the younger members of our community can gather, socialize, and engage in a variety of activities. It offers a skatepark, a sand volleyball court, hammock poles, and a shelter equipped with WiFi – a spot for recreation, relaxation, and connectivity. We have also included a bike park and pump track, illuminated softball fields, public art installations, picnic shelters, walking paths, and space for a future community garden. This expansive design is a testament to our dedication to enriching the recreational experiences of individuals and families, fostering connections, and providing enjoyable outdoor activities for people of all ages.

But the excitement this past week didn’t stop there. Meridian Parks and Recreation hosted our annual Trunk or Treat event, which has become a cherished tradition for our community. With over 70 creatively decorated vehicles, over 5,000 attendees, a costume parade, live entertainment, and a variety of food options, it was a festive celebration for all. Attending this event and witnessing countless families come together to revel in the Halloween spirit, creating memories that will last a lifetime, is  a lot of fun.

As we fully embrace the spirit of Halloween this week, let’s not forget the importance of safety, especially for our youth during their trick-or-treating adventures on Tuesday night. To help keep our community safe, the Meridian Police Department has provided some  tips to ensure a safe and fun Halloween experience. In addition to accompanying your children during their Halloween adventure, parents you can decorate costumes with reflective tape or stickers, equip trick-or-treaters with flashlights or glow sticks, and encourage them to visit well-lit houses.

And for both our drivers and those out trick-or-treating, always be vigilant for the increased interactions of cars in neighborhoods and people crossing the street. Drivers are encouraged to slow down. And for those crossing the street, take extra time to make sure the path is safe and clear before you step off the curb.

We hope you enjoy your new community amenities at Discovery Park, the annual Trunk or Treat and getting out to spend time with your neighbors participating in the annual trunk-or-treating tradition. Stay safe, Meridian, and relish the bonds and experiences that make our community a premiere place to live, work, and raise a family.