Parish parks praised for good upkeep, but Killona residents want bike path

Football team charter problems, communication issues and lack of uniformity and equality were among the top concerns raised at the St. Charles Parish’s first district meeting inviting public input on future recreational needs.

Duane Foret, department director, also debuted his presentation outlining the parish’s recreational facilities and organization at the kick-off meeting held March 2 at the Killona Firehouse.

Drawing nearly 40 people from the Killona-Destrehan area, the meeting was the first of several meetings scheduled in the parish. The second meeting was held March 9 in Destrehan at Destrehan High School.

Anthony Ayo, the parish executive director of technology and communications who facilitated the meeting, asked the group to comment on what the department does well and what needs improvement.

Ayo said they chose the parish’s recreation department as a starting point to reach out to parish residents because it has the broadest impact on people and serves as a good jumping point to ask for public input.

The goal is to enhance the department’s purpose – to improve quality of life, he told the crowd. Ayo said ideas are being collected and prioritized based on public input.

On what’s being done well, area residents praised park and street signage, park maintenance, lighting, parking, recreation staff being professional and straight forward with residents, as well as the newly opened Killona Community Center.

Area residents also asked for a walking path and completion of a bike path, basketball park improvements, consistent rules, as well concession rotations, a play area, football eight limit, soccer opportunities as well as playtime for all children and an extended football season.

Additional meetings are scheduled as follows:

– Luling-Ama area, March 16, Father Cote Center, 10773 River Road, Ama

– St. Rose area, March 17, Destrehan High School

– Norco-New Sarpy area, April 12, Destrehan High School

– Boutte-Des Allemands area, April 13, Hahnville High School, 200 Tiger Drive

– Mimosa area, April 20, Hahnville High School.

The public can attend any of the meetings desired. All meetings are being held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

In addition to district meetings, Ayo said other efforts will be made to collect input, including digitally.