The City of Hattiesburg recently celebrated the reopening of the Timberton Complex, marking the completion of a long-awaited restoration project. The complex was destroyed by a tornado on Jan. 21, 2017, and has been fully rebuilt after years of overcoming numerous challenges and delays.
“Restoring Timberton Park has been one of the most difficult processes yet significant milestones over the past eight years,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “We made a promise to this neighborhood to fight for them and deliver the park they deserve. Today reflects the determination of city staff and partners who worked tirelessly to make this moment possible.”
Barker also recognized the victims who died as a result of the tornado.
“And when we acknowledge the 2017 tornado, I do think it’s important to mention the four citizens whose lives were lost that morning,” he said. “Cleveland Madison, Earnest Perkins, David McCoy and Simona Cox. Their families' heartbreak will never be fully restored. And we send them our condolences and well wishes.”
The journey to rebuild Timberton Park was complex and prolonged, largely due to an extended dispute with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Following an initial damage assessment in 2017, FEMA underestimated the repair costs. The City of Hattiesburg spent years appealing FEMA’s decisions, revising estimates and navigating disputes to secure the necessary funding. FEMA repeatedly de-obligated funds, requiring the city to file appeals, pursue arbitration and advocate for building code-compliant, storm-resilient upgrades. The process was further complicated in 2018 when the park’s press box was destroyed in a fire.
Ultimately, the city secured $2.9 million in funding through FEMA allocations, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), insurance proceeds, and local contributions. Culpepper Construction & Masonry, LLC was awarded the contract for the restoration, which included rebuilding the park and replacing the press box, a lengthy process that frustrated some.
“I would like to thank the citizens of Ward 5,” said Ward 5 Councilman Nicholas Brown. “It was a long and strenuous process. It was frustrating, but it was something that had to be done. We had to jump through a lot of hoops. We had to work with FEMA and MEMA, and we had to work with different consultants. But we made it. It took eight years, but we finally made it. I can’t be more excited for the community, my colleagues, and the mayor.”
Barker expressed optimism about the future of Ward 5.
“The future of this park and all of south Hattiesburg is bright,” he said. “In the coming months, you’re going to be hearing about plans of programming for the park, including a return for youth softball.”
