Downtown Biloxi is not only experiencing economic growth with new small businesses and housing emerging daily, but it is also expanding its recreational opportunities, providing ways to RAISE YOUR PULSE in the neighborhood.

Notably, recreation has flourished in recent months, with the addition of two pickleball courts, a DIY skate park, and an 18-hole disc golf course in the HOWHOP Creative district under the I-110 bridge. There will soon be even more options to get your heart rate up downtown with a new running group hosted by Jason Weaver and Michael Massey at their new brewery Altered Reality. 

Biking events have become a staple in the downtown district, including Biloxi Main Street’s long-running Bike Biloxi, occurring on the third Tuesday of each month at Lighthouse Park, and Biloxi Bicycle Works’ weekly Friday evening ride.

Bart Luther, owner of Biloxi Bicycle Works, has become a spokesperson for the biking scene.

“Bicyclists love downtown Biloxi, and downtown Biloxi loves bicycles,” Luther said.

Currently, downtown Biloxi hosts over 500 riders per month between the two group rides, with Bart continuously adding more opportunities for riders of all ages and abilities. Stay updated by following Biloxi Bicycle Works and Bike Biloxi on Facebook.

Under the I-110 bridge just south of Howard Ave in the HOWHOP creative district, you can find two pop-up pickleball courts, open 24/7 and soon to receive a lighting upgrade. Plans for tournaments and regular events are in the works, so stay updated by following the Biloxi Main Street Facebook page.

The latest additions to downtown recreation are the new 18-hole disc golf course and pop-up skate park just north of the railroad tracks under the I-110 bridge. Both have been well received, bringing positive activity to the neighborhood. At any time of day, you can find families, disc enthusiasts, teens, and skateboarders of all skill levels enjoying these attractions. Completed in early February, the disc golf course has already seen over 300 rounds played, attracting players from as far as 150 miles away.

According to course designers Ryan Morris and Brad Allen, the course offers a fun, beginner-friendly layout perfect for families and friends. Tyler Prowant, leading the effort to bring skating downtown, notes that the pop-up park has significantly impacted the area, averaging 30-60 visitors of all ages at weekly Wednesday night meet-ups.

Both groups have collaborated on quarterly events to raise awareness and funds, with the next one scheduled for Saturday, May 4, featuring an 18-hole disc golf tournament, skating lessons, skate competitions, and more. Information can be found on SaveDaPar Disc Golf and Gulf Coast Skate Parks Association on Facebook.

Corey Christy, a native of Biloxi, Corey returned in 2013 after college to begin following his passion for his hometown through his grassroots activities with various volunteer positions, boards, and local organizations. Corey is past President of the Biloxi Main Street, where he has been a board member for the last 8 years. In that short amount of time Corey has made a lasting impact on the organization and the city, founding the Biloxi Public Art project that has brought 30 pieces of public art to life around downtown that tell different stories of the local history, he is the recipient of two Fire Soul awards, the Design Award, the Visionary Award, as well as The City of Biloxi’s Volunteer of the Year for Arts and Culture, a Mississippi Main Street Award for the Biloxi Public Art Project, a Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence in 2021, and a Mississippi Main Street Trailblazer award in 2022. Corey has been a Board Member of the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce for the previous 3 years, the Gallery 782 co-op, as well as serving one year on the board for the Mississippi Coastal Plain Land Trust. Corey helps to organize Bike Biloxi and occasionally leads the weekly community bike rides throughout the city.

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