New Des Allemands park on hold

A plan for a new park in Des Allemands got put on hold after questions arose over whether or not a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit would be required for the additional property.

Plus, Parish President V. J. St. Pierre isn't even sure that the park, which would be located on J.B. Green Road, is necessary.

"If we purchase this additional land, we're going to have to get the parish to clear it and prep it and right now I don't think that's a good idea," he said. "We have 37 parks that we're already maintaining and there are already nine ball parks in that area for these kids."

St. Pierre went on to say that he checked with the recreation department and only three kids from that area participate in recreational sports.

"But that doesn't take into account all of the kids playing in the different communities out  in the street," Councilman Paul Hogan said. "Go down there in the evening and you'll see the kids playing on the streets, because they've got no place else to play. It's unsafe."

 Hogan introduced the resolution requesting the purchase of additional land belonging to L.J. Frickey. He asked that the parish expand the 1.75 acre site the parish had previously purchased on J.B. Green Road.

St. Pierre says building parks that dot every corner in every community isn't a good idea. 

"People are telling us that instead of having a playground on every corner, they want a few really good parks," Duane Foret, parks and recreation director said.
Foret says the property the parish already owns is conducive to developing several recreational activities for all age groups. 

"The purchase of this property wouldn't enhance the park in such a way to warrant the additional purchase of land."
Hogan stated that it seems as though the administration is focusing on not developing the existing J.B. Green Park at all. 

"If that is the case, you can expect an uproar out of the community after they have been waiting and begging for the park for nearly seven years,"   he said.

Hogan says that $104,000 is already in the budget for this site and that these finds are more than adequate to purchase the additional land and to have it and existing park property cleared and to add fill to level the site. 

Hogan also proposes to sell the southern 100 foot of the existing site to defer the cost of the proposed purchase of the additional 100' to the north of the site.  "We can subdivide this 100' into 2  50' by over 150' deep lots and recoup nearly $50,000. 

That would put the net cost of this purchase somewhere near $15,000".  Hogan stated that this is a small price to pay and that if the property is not purchased soon, it will no longer be available after it is sold to others.