Within the next 30 days, the parish will complete its levee bench project, which adds 15 benches, along with bike racks and trash cans, to levees throughout the parish.
The $165,000 project was funded entirely by the parks and recreation department. Regency Consulting Group is constructing the project.
Grayson Touchard, a spokesperson for the department, said the idea from the project originated with the parks and recreation department after staff noticed a lack of resting spots along the levee.
“These benches provide a place for residents to pause while walking, running, or biking, making it easier to enjoy the beautiful scenery our parish has to offer,” Touchard said.
The department broke ground on the project in April and expected to complete the project during the summer. High river water levels delayed construction.
“Weather conditions, including frequent rain and high river levels, delayed our original timeline,” Touchard said. “High river water levels created unsafe conditions for construction, which required us to temporarily halt progress until the water receded.”
Touchard said the department looks forward to seeing residents using the levee benches as part of their daily routines.
“We encourage residents to take advantage of the new path seating, a place to rest, reflect, read, and enjoy the view of one of the greatest natural resources in the world, right here in St. Charles Parish,” she said.
Nine benches will be installed on the East Bank in the following locations: three in Montz, one in Norco, one in New Sarpy, one in Destrehan, and three in St. Rose. Six benches will be installed on the West Bank, with two in Ama, one in Luling, two in Hahnville, and one in Killona. The new benches will complement the existing levee benches already in place at both the East Bank and West Bank Bridge Parks.
Each site will feature trash receptacles and bike racks.
