Smith Park in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, was established in 1838 when the state donated the land to the city. Named after Scottish industrialist James Smith, who donated money for a park fence in 1884, the park underwent a redesign in the 1970s, which included the addition of an amphitheater and an artificial stream. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and declared a Mississippi Landmark in 2017.
“I don’t think people recognize the history that we have right here in our state,” shared Downtown Jackson Partners President Liz Brister. “Smith Park was established in 1838, making it one of the oldest parks in America. Smith Park in Jackson even predates Central Park in New York City!”
Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father who served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809, had a model for building cities that influenced the development of Jackson, Mississippi. Jefferson believed you should leave empty green spaces on every other block. Jackson, Mississippi, was actually laid out to have these green spaces on every other block when downtown Jackson began development.
“Smith Park remains the only surviving public square from the city’s original 1822 plan,” shared Brister.
Smith Park is located directly behind the Governor’s Mansion, between the Mansion and the Capitol—the ideal location to bring people together, which it has done since its conception. However, it has faced ongoing maintenance issues; nevertheless, multiple proposals for renovation, transformation, and opportunities are in the works to bring permanent life back to the park.
Downtown Jackson Partners (DJP) works to enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and play in downtown Jackson. DJP works to promote both new and established businesses, organizations, and events that fall within the downtown district. DJP recognizes that when Smith Park is vibrant and welcoming, the rest of the downtown community thrives.
“Spring of 2025, DJP started Hump Day in the Park with Frank the Camel,” shared Brister. “It was a limited engagement, about six weeks, but we paired him with food trucks, live music, and the Symphony Orchestra, and it went viral! Every week, we were experiencing hundreds of people coming to the park during their lunch break for food, fresh air, fellowship, and of course, Frank.”
Downtown Jackson Partners (DJP) currently has the opportunity to win a $120k grant from the Levitt Foundation to bring free live music to Smith Park. This grant would be spread over three years and is an excellent opportunity for Downtown.
“Jackson is hungry for this,” shared Brister. “People are showing up and voting and are excited. It’s the only place in Mississippi that’s part of this grant. And when Jackson does well, the entire state benefits.”
DJP has other plans for Smith Park.
“We’re trying to raise money for a new band shell for the park,” explained Brister. “That’s going to be the next phase, where we’re going just to create a better place to have all kinds of events.”
