NATCHEZ — The Antioch Missionary Baptist Association Unity Park may see new developments in the future after Natchez officials approved funds for the site.

During Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting, the Natchez Board of Aldermen unanimously granted $25,000 from the community development fund to the Natchez Adams County Recreation Commission that would be earmarked for improvements at the AMB Unity Park, located at 416 Airport Road.

Local attorney Anthony Heidelberg said the organization requested the funds as a one-time donation from the city that would help enclose part of an existing pavilion, add indoor bathrooms, a kitchen and convert the tin roof to shingles.

Heidelberg said the park is currently open as a wholesome, religious-based environment that is leased to AMB and is regularly used for community events.

“There is no limitation on what type of religious denomination may use the park,” Heidelberg said. “This group simply has the responsibility of managing the site.”

AMB also hosts a community church service every fifth Sunday at the park, Heidelberg said, adding irregular weather makes scheduling a regular church service in an outdoor pavilion difficult.

Heidelberg said the non-profit organization is also procuring grants to provide further funding for other long-term goals — such as building a second pavilion, an archery and recreation field, a gazebo overlooking the lake and a sand beach.

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell said he has been in support of AMB’s efforts to improve the park since he acted on the Adams County Board of Supervisors nearly a decade ago to lease the land for the park’s creation.

“I totally support this endeavor … and I thank this association for continuing to light that torch and to enhance that particular park,” Grennell said during Tuesday’s meeting.

Alderman Dan Dillard echoed support for the project and encouraged AMB to request the Board of Supervisors to do the same.

“I urge those of you here today to petition your Board of Supervisors to match this effort towards this endeavor to make this community — which is Natchez, Adams County and all who come here — a better place for us all to be,” Dillard said.