Gulfport’s Department of Leisure Services provides residents and visitors with programs for youth and the elderly, parks,a pool, and sports facilities, including gymnasiums, ball fields, and weight rooms. In addition, the department is responsible for community centers, senior centers, recreational facilities, youth athletic leagues, and after-school and summer programs.
The department operates 38 ball fields, 31 parks,5 tennis courts, 3 gymnasiums, 7 walking tracks, all fishing piers and municipal boat ramps and jetties, the Marina, fitness centers, a senior center, a swimming pool, and more than 600 acres of parks and recreational areas.
Leisure Services Philosophy
“We believe that Leisure time opportunities are a basic human need along with health, education, and welfare, and the responsibility for providing wholesome leisure time facilities and activities for the citizens of Gulfport rests with our department.”
“We believe that through these leisure-time pursuits we can provide all citizens that opportunity to grow physically and mentally and find a ‘quality of life and wellness that is both meaningful and abundant.”
“We firmly believe that a primary ‘alternative’ to youth drugs and crime is providing the very young continuous, diversified, and attractive opportunities to develop wholesome, physical, recreational, and artistic skills and interests.”
Summer Camp
The Summer Camp Program will be held amid an ever-changing coastal environment and different living conditions. We have made several changes to our program for this summer as a convenience and service to parents and families.
Book an Event Space
The City of Gulfport has numerous recreational spaces and community centers available for rent for your next conference, meeting, or special event! Choose your event hosting type below.
Senior programs take place at Charles Walker Senior Center.
Sports Programs
There are 20 parks, walking trails, and facilities across the city. Splash pads and a city pool are available for a break from the summer heat or you can take a leisurely walk on of the trails.
Memorial Tree Service
The City of Gulfport’s Beautification Department will select, plant, and maintain the tree which will serve as a lasting and living memorial and will help to enhance our City’s natural canopy.
Cemeteries
The Gulfport Department of Leisure Services operates and maintains five different cemeteries in the City of Gulfport. Please call for any questions relating to cemetery arrangements or records.
Health & Safety
The Gulfport Department of Leisure Services is committed to the health and safety of its visitors. Please review our policies, procedures, and other documents for the health and safety of our visitors.
- Department Director
- Gus Wesson
- (228) 868-5881
- Building Maintenance Superintendent
- Ed Hayden
- (228) 868-5881
- Main Office
- (228) 868-5881
- Administrative Bookkeeper
- Jim Dyer
- (228) 868-5881
- Centers Supervisor
- Reggie Sims
- (228) 868-5881
- Senior Citizen Coordinator
- Magdelena Holland
- (228) 575-4535
- Beautification Manager
- Randy Wales
- (228) 868-5881
- Sportsplex Manager
- Kirby Jones
- (228) 832-4088
- Sportsplex Turf Manager
- Keair Edwards
- (228) 868-5881