Anyone who has taken advantage of a sunny afternoon to stroll Vidalia’s new riverfront park knows its benefits. Walkers, river-gazers, children on scooters even nearly expert kite-flyers were seen on a recent sunny Sunday, enjoying the gathering spot and enjoying the day.

The question, of course, is when will Natchez have something to compare to Vidalia’s park?

The answer is soon, we hope.

With another meeting under their belts on Wednesday, city,county and school board officials continued making plans for a joint recreational facility. To be located in the old bean field area adjacent to Natchez High, the park could eventually include ball fields, jogging and walking tracks, a lazy river, a natatorium, and even skate parks. The plans are ambitious, of course, and no agency is quick to ante up funding for the project. That will have to come, of course.

But for now, we can continue to find optimism is the conversation – in the realization that the three boards are sitting at a table together to discuss a joint project that could truly benefit all the residents of Adams County – young and old. If they can keep politics – and horse barns – out of the discussion, we could have a true recreational gem in our county.

And maybe one day, we’ll see dozens of families and individuals taking those Sunday afternoon strolls in the Natchez recreational park, as well as along the Vidalia riverfront.