Gautier officials cut ribbon on Shepard State Park improvements Updated May 14, 2021; GAUTIER, Miss. -- Gautier city officials cut the ribbon this week on two new amenities at Shepard State Park. The first is a new welcome center facing Graveline Road, created from a historic two-story log cabin. The other is a new marshwalk pier, which takes visitors on an educational and scenic journey through the secluded 400-acre park. With the help of $250,000 in Tidelands funding, provided through the Legislature and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, the two amenities will add new experiences for visitors to the city-managed park. “The beautifully renovated log cabin is full of character and sets the tone for visitors entering Shepard State Park,” said city manager Paula Yancey. “It will serve as a welcome center, meeting/classroom space and a general store for Shepard State Park’s campers. We’re especially proud to name the general store in honor of state Rep. John Read, who has championed improvements at the park over the years.”