Welcome to the website of the Alta Woods Neighborhood Association, Jackson, MS. Located in the south-central part of the city, Alta Woods is a special place. A quiet place of gently rolling hills, large trees, and friendly people.
Those of us who have chosen to live here come from varying backgrounds and socioeconomic groups, but are bound together by our love for this beautiful place. Several homes are eligible for historic recognition and all are distinguished by sizeable well-kept yards. It's especially a joy to drive through the neighborhood during the spring when all the flowers are in bloom! Our park boasts a one mile perimeter for exercise enthusiasts, playground equipment for the kids, and picnic facilities to get the whole family together.
Whether you're a current resident, a past resident, looking for a new home, or just "passing through", we hope you will enjoy looking through our website and maybe drop us a line via email.
Alta Woods is one of the oldest neighborhoods within what is currently considered to be South Jackson. According to Mr. Don Ashcraft, our historian, residential development really began in the 1920's and 1930's. He should know . . . since he has been living in the neighborhood since then! As the neighborhood started to fill out in the 1950s, it gained the reputation of a respectable "country lane" community where the ladies would get together for "white glove" tea parties and such. Since that time, Alta Woods has "matured" as have also many of its residents who have resisted the siren call to move further out into the new suburbs. Back before development of Alta Woods as a part of Jackson the site currently occupied by the Carmelite monastery served as the site of speeches debating secession in the days leading up to the Civil War. Although always aware of the rich history of our neighborhood, residents active in the neighborhood association serve with the desire not only of maintaining the status quo, but of building an even brighter future.
There are five active churches within the bounds of Alta Woods, as well as several others in the surrounding area which serve some of our residents.
Alta Woods Baptist Church: Located on Colonial Drive. Led by senior pastor Dr. Frank Thomas. Member of Southern Baptist Convention. 601 372-8651
Alta Woods Methodist Church: On the southwest corner of Terry Road and Alta Woods Boulevard. Led by Rev. Cumbest. United Methodist. 601 372-6016
New Dimensions Ministry (former Alta Woods Presbyterian Church): On the northwest corner of Terry Road and Alta Woods Boulevard. Nondenominational. 601 372-6691
Southside Assembly of God: On the southeast corner of Raymond Road and Belvedere Drive. 601 373-4811
We Care Church: At 139 Colonial Drive. Led by Pastor Charlie Clark. Nondenominational. 601 502-1370
Other notable institutions within the neighborhood include a Catholic monastery and Lester Elementary School. Of course the centerpiece that all residents love and appreciate is the Alta Woods Park.
Within close proximity is shopping at Brookshire's for groceries. Other items are available at Fred's and various convenience stores. Just across McDowell Road are Richard Wright Public Library and St. Terese's Catholic School.
Formally incorporated in 1993 as the Alta Woods Preservation Association, we are an organization of residents wanting to promote and improve our neighborhood. Membership is voluntary and currently requires dues of only $15 per calendar year. We are currently meeting every other month, usually on a Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Meetings are normally held at Alta Woods Baptist Church. Meetings are advertised by signs at strategic locations and flyers passed out to houses.
Current officers for 2006 are: Thomas Price (President); Ruthanne Hudson (Vice-President); and Nancy White (Treasurer). We also have volunteers to work on Security, Publicity, Membership, Hospitality, and History.
Representation on Jackson City Council: Ward 5 (Charles Tillman)
Jackson Police Department: Precinct 1
City park ranger: Tyrone Walker (601 960-1841)
City public works: 601 960-1967
Garbage pickup: Wednesday and Saturday mornings
(The vacuum truck comes by semi-regularly during winter to collect pine straw
from streetside.)
Recycling pickup: Every other Wednesday morning
City of Jackson website
Voter registration information
State Representative: John Reeves (an Alta Woods resident)
State Senator: Alice Varnado-Harden
Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods
Pictures from 2003 Spring Picnic in the Park
Contact information for Loren White (Webmaster):
Email: ldwhite68@gmail.com
Telephone: 601 346-6211