AARP Mound Bayou Unveils Historical Markers

AARP Mound Bayou recently celebrated the culmination of community conversations about how to make the town a healthier, more livable community for people over age 50. AARP and community leaders unveiled the first 5 or 25 historical markers highlighting the town’s heritage.

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“AARP made an investment in Mound Bayou through a series of community conversations and workshop to identify issues and concerns for people over 50 and their families,” said AARP Mississippi State Director Sherri Davis-Garner. “The placement of these historical markers along the Heritage Walking Trail is the result of community feedback and partnership.”

In October, 2011, AARP Mississippi conducted a community workshop called Active Living In A Healthy Community. The workshop was conducted by Dan Burden, a nationally recognized expert on developing walkable, livable communities.

The following action items were identified: build a Heritage Walking Trail that incorporates Mound Bayou’s history; refurbish private and public community areas; and become more responsive to the safety needs of seniors and children.

“We are working to build walking trails which incorporate the city’s history visually, refurbish community areas – both public and private – and being altogether more responsive to the safety needs of seniors and children,” said Elaine Baker, Ph.D., MSW, AARP Mound Bayou Chapter President.

The Historic Mound Bayou Foundation and community conversation participants raised funds to purchase markers for the Heritage Walking Trail. On June 15, the first 5 markers were placed at Bolivar County Training School/Mound Bayou High School, Delta Health Center, First Baptist Church, Mound Bayou Bank Building, and Taborian Hospital.

Through community partnerships, Mound Bayou can continue to contribute to the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area, one of America’s National Heritage Areas (NHAs).