The Marks Project recognizes that Quitman County, like other rural communities in Mississippi and beyond, faces challenges to its wellbeing. Members of the Marks Project work with local residents to identify issues that threaten the community’s economy, personal health, environmental health, food security, housing and infrastructure. We then facilitate partnerships with faculty and multidisciplinary research teams from the University of Mississippi and other institutions of higher education. Together we deploy new programs and practices to build a stronger, more vibrant community. We want Quitman County to be a place to call home.
The Marks Project is committed to expanding recreational and fitness opportunities in Quitman County. We reopened the former YOU fitness center and have brought in a number of programs, such as nutrition and community gardening, for our community to consider, in addition to the workout opportunities. Most recently, our focus has been on the completion of the only public park in Quitman County, the Marks City Park. We successfully secured funding, using no tax dollars, and with the community’s assistance, installed two separate play structures for ages 2-5 and 6-12.
For more information of how to partner with the Marks Project and the Center for Community Wellbeing Research at the University of Mississippi, please contact
Playground & Ballpark
The City of Marks donated eight and a half acres of land for a playground and a ballpark. The Marks Project has raised the funds and completed the building of a new playground. Fundraising efforts are continuing for a community pavilion, basketball courts, and bathrooms to complete the ballpark.
Youth Outreach
Just this month, we completed the last major phase of our park project– a football field for our beloved 49’ers, a county-wide middle school team. This project was a cooperative effort between city, county, and local volunteers who did an amazing job to bring in all the components and shape this field into a beautiful venue for our young athletes and their Coach Lin Riley, who represent our county with dignity and pride. We are seeking funding for nicer restrooms and hopefully a pavilion.
