September 15, 2014 9:43:52 AM A Columbus landmark is getting a makeover. The Magnolia Bowl, located at the corner of Fifth Avenue North and Fifth Street North, will be turned into a walking track and outdoor study space for Franklin Elementary and the community. Built in 1933, the bowl is owned by the Columbus Municipal School District. The Columbus High football team played its last game there in 1998. It has sat largely unused since. Local legend holds that old cars were buried underneath it when it was constructed. However, Columbus City Planner Christina Berry said tests conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency indicated the legend was not true. The EPA conducted two environmental assessments of the bowl and Berry said it is unlikely that any containments are under the field. With the clean bill of health, CMSD can move forward with plans for the track and study space, Berry said. School board president Angela Verdell said construction on the project will begin in coming weeks. She did not offer a specific timeframe. Columbus Light and Water is expected to remove the upper level structure of the bowl. A formal request for the work will be made at Tuesday nights council meeting, Verdell said. The back wall, former press box and concession stand will be torn down as part of the project. The renovation will make space for the installation of a labyrinth walking track and usable outdoor learning space for Franklin students and the community, she said. The renovated outdoor space will include the labyrinth walking track, which will be covered by a sunshade structure, seating space, and potted plants, she said. The project is part of a Blue Cross Blue Shield $20,000 Passport to Wellness Grant. Berry said a permit has been obtained from Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Additional projects are possible, Verdell said, but at this time, no other plans are in the works. We look forward to improving both the appearance and the functionality of the Magnolia Bowl space, she said. Future plans include CMSD talks with the Columbus Redevelopment Authority to learn about possible alternative uses for the Magnolia Bowl. However, at this time, no definite plans for the bowl have been determined.
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 11:42:10 +0000