NATCHEZ &045; A recent decision by the board of aldermen gives more authority to Natchez’s recreation council &045; and may put recreation plans back on track.

Last year, the city, county and school board formed a joint recreation commission that was to come up with plans for a county-wide recreation facility plan.

The effort fizzled, though, when the county and school board did not put up funding for the commission to conduct a study on recreation needs and opportunities.

&uot;It appears the initiative for a three-party (recreation plan) hasn’t taken root like we thought it would,&uot; city attorney Walter Brown said at a recent aldermen meeting.

The interlocal agreement allowing that recreation commission expires in December.

The joint board had been looking at creating new recreation facilities for baseball, softball and soccer fields; an aquatic center; walking trails; and picnic pavilions. Those plans had been estimated at up to $12 million, although the work would likely have been done in phases.

Aldermen agreed last month to give the city recreation council &045; an existing board &045; more policy-making authority.

&uot;(The ordinance) will give a boost to our recreation council for what they’ve done and what we hope they will do (with recreation planning),&uot; Brown said. &uot;This broadens their powers and duties to making long-range plans in the city and look at fund-raising options we might have.&uot;

Recreation Director Ralph Tedder said Friday the city is taking plans &uot;in steps.&uot;

&uot;We’ve been working with the mayor and board on funding sources through a 501(c)3 non-profit,&uot; Tedder said, explaining the city could get private funding for the project.

After looking at funding options, Tedder said, the city would likely look to get citizen input on the project.

Major recreation plans have been on hold in Natchez for several years, although the city has made improvements to parks &045; including North Natchez Park and Duncan Park &045; and added a new park on Wall Street, partially funded by grants.