BREC Updating Central Parks

By CS | January 27, 2011

Photos and article submitted by David Barrow, Courtesy of BREC

    BREC (Baton Rouge Parks &  Recreation) is moving forward with plans to construct the Greenwell Springs Historical Park on Greenwell Springs Rd just north of the Greenwell Springs Hospital.  This site sits on approximately 85 acres of land and borders the Amite River.

    In a meeting held on January 13, 2011, BREC Superintendent Bill Palmer announced plans for the park and stated that BREC has dedicated over $500,000 towards the project.  Also in attendance at the meeting were BREC Assistant Superintendent Ted Jack, Central Mayor Mac Watts, State Representatives Bodi White and Clif Richardson,  State Senator Dale Erdey, and David Barrow.    Our state legislators appropriated $50,000 to the city of Central this year to assist BREC in making this park a reality.  The city will use its $50,000 towards constructing a fence around a section of the property, as requested by BREC and the state of Louisiana.

    BREC Assistant Superintendent Ted Jack stated that planning for the park will begin this year with at least one public meeting scheduled for community input.  This park will not be just a regular park.  It will be developed with walking trails, picnic areas, and buildings that reflect the historical nature of the site.  Strong input will be taken from historians in the community in helping to develop the park.  It is anticipated that this new park will be a regional draw.  

    In other news, BREC has been busy making numerous improvements to parks throughout Central.  The following is a list of parks and improvements that have been made or are underway:

Palomino Park (in Bridlewood subdivision) 
We have built a new shelter and worked on play equipment
We made modifications to the lTennis Center so that it could be used for Day Camp
We are about to resurface four tennis courts

Kolby Park (in Central Woods subdivision)
Completely renovated the park including new play equipment

Lovett Road Park
Installed two new lighted ball fields in the front
Enlarged parking area
Completed Playground Renovations
Added new restroom and HC parking
Added new turn lane at entrance

Railey Roshto (in Northwoods subdivision)
Added play equipment
Installed picnic pavilion
Built new concrete walks and HC parking

Blackwater Conservation Area (corner Hooper & Blackwater)
Added HC accessible fishing pier
Added washing station
Added concrete walks and trees

    The most exciting new project underway in Central is the new Central Community Sports Park located at the corner of Hooper Rd & Lovett Rd.  Several public meetings were held to gather input as to how the park should be designed. From the results of those meetings, BREC developed a master plan for the park.  BREC has completed the purchase of the land, mitigated wetland issues, cleared and grubbed the site, and they are currently about to bid the physical improvements to the property.

    The sports park will have 7 baseball fields, 3 multi-use practice fields that can be used for soccer and other sports, a covered pavilion, restrooms, a large fishing lake, and numerous walking/jogging trails.  It will be developed in phases with entrances from both Hooper Rd and from Lovett Rd.

BLACKWATER CONSERVATION AREA:

LOVETT ROAD PARK:

 

KOLBY PARK:

PALOMINO PARK:

 

RAILEY ROSHTO PARK:

 

HOOPER ROAD SPORTS PARK: