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NATCHEZ — The city has received an anonymous $15,000 donation to go toward the work of renovating the Duncan Park Golf Clubhouse.

That donation will go toward the goal of raising $50,000 needed to match another donation of $50,000, made as a challenge from another anonymous donor.

“We are so thankful for these anonymous donations and others who have given toward the $50,000 matching grant. This brings our total raised to date toward that challenge to approximately $17,000,” Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson said Friday morning.

Plans for renovating the Duncan Park Golf Clubhouse have long been part of the city’s investment in recreation. Brand new playground equipment has been installed in all of the city’s parks, along with renovations to baseball friends, a completely renovated, historic North Natchez Youth Center and new tennis courts at Duncan Park.

Renovating the historic clubhouse at Duncan Park has long been on the to-do list. Unfortunately, bids for the project have come in much higher than expected.

“Thankfully, a very generous local donor has pledge a dollar-for-dollar match to help us reach the final $100,000 needed, so we can make this important project begin right away,” Gibson said.

“Even if you are not a golfer, this is a much-needed economic driver that will help attract resident, businesses and conventions. Anyone who would like to donate to this project can do so online. The Community Alliance has set up an online portal for this project at https://givebutter.com/I6AB3s.

Donations made before the end of the calendar year to this project are tax deductible.

“Since we are approaching the end of 2023, I would like to urge anyone who would like to contribute to this great project to do so right now — and take advantage of a great last minute tax deduction,” Gibson said.