Merdian, Mississippi is home to notable monuments like the Mississippi Walk of Fame as well as Around Town Carousels that pay homage to the historic Dentzel Carousel in Highland Park. Featuring one of those horses from the Around Town Carousels and being across the street from part of the Mississippi Walk of Fame should allow Dumont Plaza to become an attraction in its own right, but it has not been able to fulfill the potential that space possesses.Primarily used for special events and as a rental space that enables direct revenue for the city, Dumont Plaza is known as a popular spot to hang out in downtown Meridian, with events that feature live music, dancing, food and beverages as well as family fun activities that take place on a regular basis. The plaza features a pavilion and numerous seating areas to apprortiately serve a variety of happenings and audiences. History associated with the space is also called out in historical markers. However, the plaza does not contain a central feature or landmark that is distinct to the space while also being tied to this history or the culture of the city.
The tables in Dumont Plaza provide plenty of seating, but there is little to engage with when an event isn’t happening in the space. Additionally, the history of the plaza itself or why it’s named Dumont Plaza is not contained anywhere in the space.The emptiness of the plaza is evident in terms of what isn’t there as other squares and plazas have created engagement for audiences with fountains, sculptures and various other monuments. The empty space in Dumont Plaza as well as the nearby lot that provides an opportunity for the creation of these types of elements.
Located in the heart of downtown Meridian, Dumont Plaza has the potential to become a true destination. A closer connection to nearby attractions along with the installation of features that highlight the history and culture of the surroundings could allow it to become a hub of activity for Meridian and the entire central region of Mississippi.
