In 1965, Leola Dillard saw a need. As a Black mother in Yazoo City, she wanted a safe place for children to play. She asked the mayor for land and turned her dream into reality. For 60 years, Leola Dillard Park served families until weather and time left it worn down. Last spring, the Boys & Girls Club (BGC) Yazoo City teens, led by volunteer Roxie Harris, decided to bring it back to life.
Restoring the Park
The teens started by picking up sticks, trash, and painting equipment. Bad weather and the BGC Yazoo City closure paused the work, but the community kept going. The Yazoo City Fire Department Shift B finished painting, and donations from Leola’s family, Rocky Mountain Church, and others helped complete the project.
“Ms. Dillard’s story is our story,” said Roxie Harris, who grew up hearing about the park. “We wanted kids to have this place again.”
A Surprise Easter Egg Hunt
On April 19, 2025, the park reopened with an Easter Egg Hunt for 25 kids. Roxie and her sister Mildred smiled as children played on freshly painted swings donated by Yazoo Parks and Recreation.
“Ms. Dillard would be proud,” Roxie said.
Highlights:
Firefighters led STEM activities.
Kids made healthy yogurt snacks at the “Berry Blast” station.
Members painted spring murals with flowers and rainbows.
Who Was Leola Dillard?
Born in 1912, Leola Dillard lived to be 108. She grew up in poverty but believed in dreams and hard work.
“Your dream will live on if you do something about it,” she often said.
Learn more about her life:
Thank You to Our Partners
Yazoo City Fire Department Shift B
Rocky Mountain Church
CF Industries
Yazoo Parks and Recreation
Leola Dillard’s family
Visit Leola Dillard Park
Come see the restored park! It is located near 1119 Ethel St, Yazoo City, MS 39194. For details, call 662-219-0488.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Leola Dillard’s favorite quote
How to Help
Support our work! Donate or volunteer.
