Construction of a larger parking area could transpire due to the rising popularity of the Senior Center of South Pearl River County, said Darlene Adams, the center’s executive director.

“As we begin this new year at the center, we are excited about the new possibilities. Our budget for 2016 now includes funding for additional parking in the back of the center,” Adams said.

She addressed the need for more parking spaces last year to the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors right before the creation of the budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

In September 2015, the board allocated an additional $10,000 to the senior center, which is receiving a total of $25,000 this fiscal year. The additional money Adams requested will cover the costs associated with the parking lot expansion.

“As our clientele has increased, our more popular days of activities have caused a parking problem. Participants are complaining there are limited parking spots,” Adams said. She added some seniors have told her they haven’t been able to partake in certain events at the center because of the limited parking.

The center plans to move forward with the project once they receive estimates, which Adams hopes falls within their budget. The project could add around 15 to 18 new parking spots. Fred Davis, the center’s volunteer chairman for building and maintenance, will head the project, which entails removing some trees and bringing in dirt, gravel and pre-treated timber to divide the parking spots.

Adams said the center can’t continue to grow without the community’s help.

“As more of our county residents move into the senior category, we will continue to have growing pains. Having local government, businesses and individual donors support the center monetarily, will help us move forward with the increased growth,” Adams said.