By: Kenneth A. McDade
For Kevin Belt, the dusty diamonds and worn fences of Pelahatchie Park aren’t just remnants of the past—they’re a call to action. Fueled by vivid memories of childhood games and a deep love for his hometown, Belt is stepping forward to lead an effort that blends hard work, heart, and hope.
“I remember playing sports when I was younger. It kept me out of trouble and gave me something to look forward to,” Belt said. “I want today’s kids to have that same chance—to know there’s a place for them, and that they matter to this town.”
Belt’s plan is simple but significant: restore Pelahatchie Park to the vibrant hub it once was—and have it ready by fall, just in time for soccer season. He’s already spoken with Mayor Karl VanHorn, who gave the green light and his full support to the project. From there, Belt hit the ground running, mapping out upgrades like fixing the fencing, sprucing up the concession stands, and giving the grounds the care they’ve long needed.
The park currently features three baseball fields, but time and Mississippi weather have worn them down. Still, Belt sees more than cracked bleachers and rusty gates—he sees possibility.
“This isn’t just about baseball or soccer,” he said. “It’s about giving the next generation something to believe in. A safe place to play. A space where they feel seen.”
He’s taken his message to Facebook, and the community is responding with enthusiasm. Positive comments and offers to help have flooded in, proving that Belt isn’t the only one dreaming of a better space for Pelahatchie’s youth.
“This town still has that neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit,” Belt said with a smile. “People want to do something good. They just need a reason and a place to start.”
For him, the mission is deeply personal. He believes strongly in giving kids an alternative to idle time, and in the power of sports to teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
“Idle hands lead kids down the wrong path,” he said. “But if we give them something to belong to—a team, a game, a goal—they’ll rise to it. They’ll feel important. And that feeling can change a life.”
Belt’s message to the community is full of optimism and responsibility: the future is watching, and it needs role models.
“It’s on us,” he said. “We’ve got to show them the way. Let them know they’re special. That they matter to all of us.”
With community momentum building and the shared dream of laughter on the fields again, Pelahatchie Park may soon become more than a memory—it might just be the heart of a new era.
Want to get involved or stay updated? Contact Kevin Belt on Facebook or join the conversation on “Let’s Talk, Pelahatchie.”
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