Shell and Motiva donate parks

Local companies add green space to parish

Shell Chemical Norco and Motiva Refining Norco representatives, St. Charles Parish officials and several members of the Norco Parks Steering Committee were on hand to officially open two Norco Recreational Parks.

Two newly developed Greenbelt Recreational Parks in Norco were dedicated and donated to St. Charles Parish Recreational Department in ribbon cutting ceremonies on Saturday, March 11.

The official opening of the parks marks the completion of a three-year development and construction project sponsored by Shell Chemicals Norco and Motiva Norco Refining.

"It took three years of work to develop the parks for your enjoyment," said Shell Chemicals Site Manager Carol Triebel, who welcomed the community to the dedication event. "Today, we are also leaving a legacy for your children and grandchildren. "

"Shell and Motiva are showing great corporate citizenship with the development of the parks," said St. Charles Parish President Albert Laque, who participated in the ribbon cutting ceremonies. "We feel good about the parks for our citizens and our Parish. There is always need for more recreation areas. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Shell and Motiva ."

The project, adding some 11 acres of green space to Norco, represents fulfillment of a quality of life pledge to the community. Shell and Motiva purchased homes bordering site facilities to create a buffer zone and enrich recreational opportunities for Norco residents. St. Charles Parish Recreation Department agreed to maintain and manage the parks following construction and improvements.

"The design and layout of each park reflects suggestions and feedback from a Norco Parks Steering Team, comprised of area residents, as well as input collected through several open house community meetings," said Motiva Site Manager Keith Casey.

East Park facilities include a walking path, three picnic pavilions, playground equipment and approximately 20 off-street parking spaces. A park trail system offers several different options for walking, incorporating pedestrian bridges throughout the site. Separate, clearly marked play areas for toddlers and older children incorporate playground equipment noted for high durability as well as safety. The fenced-in playground also includes a rubberized safety surface for further protection.

Highlights of the West Park include improved lighting for an existing baseball field, the addition of a new softball field, covered dugouts, a grandstand, a playground, paved parking, 46 new parking spaces and the addition of a multi-use playing field. The site also offers a walking trail between the baseball and softball fields.

Landscaping for both parks include mature shade trees and shrubbery suited for south Louisiana climate.

Moore Planning Group, LLC served as landscape architects and site planners. LaMay Group, LLC, a family-owned Louisiana business, is responsible for construction.