The reality may be many laps away — ballparks at Renasant Park and soccer fields at the old North Lagoon acreage — and funding a frequent hurdle, but the vision of a wide-ranging, inclusive parks and recreation system for Hernando is here, thanks to a master plan months in the making with eager citizen input.

Early reviews from residents range from raves to cautious optimism.

“I really think we need something like this in the city,” said Kim Starnes, park user and mother of two more: 6-year-old son Tyler and 3-year-old daughter Riley. “I think there’s grant money out there and bonds and contributions people can put in to put Hernando on the map.”

“I’m glad to see this get started,” said Gregg Tutor, a parent and coach. “I want to work with baseball.”

So does Tim Fisher, father of 10-year-old Peyton, who plays soccer, baseball and basketball. “I want to see Hernando get better with baseball facilities, to compete when we go to state.” He added: “Everybody wants to live in Hernando. So we should have the things that Southaven and Horn Lake have.”

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