Debbie Johnston is keeping up the holiday spirit for the residents at River Park Apartments on Parklane Road despite the global pandemic.
They still had their holiday open house Tuesday when a few residents at a time were invited into the festively decorated clubhouse for tasty treats.
Clubhouse staff have still let residents bring in their last-minute gifts to be wrapped at no charge. Only a few were left under the clubhouse Christmas tree awaiting pickup Wednesday afternoon.
“We are still here for our residents,” said Johnston, who is community manager at River Park. “We’re trying to keep as much normalcy as possible during this pandemic.”
Four residents at a time are allowed into the clubhouse, which currently stays locked to avoid crowding as a virus safety measure.
If residents call ahead to make sure there isn’t a crowd or knock on the door, they can still come inside to speak to the staff or use the computers, printer, scanner and fax machine in the media center.
Other amenities at River Park include a fitness center and a pool, and the conveniences continue inside the units.
“People like the fact that all of the major appliances are included,” Johnston said.
Apartment units include under-the-cabinet microwaves, washers, dryers, refrigerators and freezers, flat top ovens, dishwashers, disposals and walk-in closets.
Water, sewer, trash pickup and pest control are all included in rent. Johnston said the only extra charges are electricity and cable/internet.
River Park, which is owned by Cypress Asset Management, opened its north half in December 2015. The south half will be five years old in March.
There are 192 apartments.
Johnston said the units are often inhabited by people moving into McComb from south Louisiana or big cities from farther away.
“All you have to do is drive around here and see all the Louisiana plates. Any time something happens in south Louisiana, they’re moving here. It’s the first major city you get to when you cross the state line,” she said.
Even people moving to Mississippi to work in Brookhaven often choose a 30-minute commute to stay at River Park, she said.
Sanderson Farms and Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center have a good working relationship with River Park, often recommending it to the employees they bring to town for training.
