Prep work underway on East Bank Park expansion

Standing by an old oak tree discovered and saved on property that is becoming the much-anticipated expansion of the East Bank Bridge Park, architect Joey Murray says every effort is being made to preserve the trees.

Architect Joey Murray showing an oak tree on the park site.

And St. Charles Parish President Larry Cochran said he is looking forward to participating in discussions with the community on how to best take advantage of the expansion.

“Some of the things I would like to see considered are additional parking, more sports fields and a gym to name a few,” Cochran said.

Work is underway removing trees and vegetation from the 6.1-acre site, which Cochran said the parish bought for $12,400 from P&L Investments IX in the fall of 2018. The property’s appraised value is $940,000.

Plans are to form a steering committee in early 2020 to discuss the needs and goals for the expansion. The committee will be comprised of parish officials, members of the administration, members of the parish’s Parks and Recreation Department, coaches and members of the community.

With community input in hand, the parish will initiate design of the expansion.

The park expansion area facing the Luling bridge.

“My goal as parish president has been to create a better quality of life for the residents of St. Charles Parish,” Cochran said. “Our parks and recreation programs are an absolutely integral part of creating that better quality of life for families and a big reason why more people want to make St. Charles Parish their home. This is also an opportunity for us to expand our recreational programs to bring visitors to St. Charles Parish, which could also bring additional economic development, like stores and restaurants, to our community.”

 

 

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