Staff Reporter

LAPLACE - The continued delay in development of a new gymnasium at Regala Park has caused a bit of a stir among council members at recent meetings, but approval of a financing package may be a silver lining.

At Tuesday's meeting, Natalie Robottom, chief administrative officer for St. John Parish, requested that the council approve the package, that will use money bonded against video poker funds used for recreation to cover the cost of the gym. “This is the first step in the process of getting the gym built,” said Robottom. “I have been working with Hugh Martin, our bonding attorney to get a closer estimate as to the cost of the gym, which stands at about $1.2 million.”

Councilman Ronnie Smith, who has asked for updates on the gym at every meeting since the gym was proposed, expressed concern at past meetings over the amount of time taken for the designs to be finalized, but is happy to have the financing package in place.

“My concern is that they were asked three months ago to move forward with this project,” said Smith. “I would like for my daughter to be able to play in this gymnasium. I'd like to get it completed.”

David Dupre, vice-president for Meyers Engineers, addressed the council two weeks ago, and stated that a delay in the geotechnical analysis and report is the most recent hold up in the design of the facility. He said completion is probably another two or three months away.

“We had a problem with the drill rig,” said Dupre. “Once we get that taken care of, we can work on the foundation for the gym.”

Smith has been the most outspoken council member regarding the gym project. He said it is not common for one member to be so outspoken regarding a measure that will affect the entire community, but he said he is a big advocate of recreational facilities, and believes that if he does not stay on the issue, the gym will fall by the wayside.

“I just don't want to see that happen,” said Smith. “Let's get it off the back burner now. The longer we put it off, the longer we have to wait.”

Dupre explained that Meyers has a contract with the council that called for the design to be completed in six months, and that they are working hard to expedite the process. He said he is looking at construction to begin near the early part of next year.

According to Robottom, the gym is the number one priority in a complete master plan for improvements at Regala Park. The layout is set up to include a concession area, offices, meeting rooms, and other places to accommodate groups looking to meet together.

“We are not looking for another community center,” said Robottom.

“We are looking for something that is functional and provides what is necessary for the residents of the parish to enjoy. We would like a design that fits the amount of funding we have.”

Also discussed at Tuesday's meeting was the possibility of including a skateboard and rollerblade park in the master plan. Smith, who had received several calls from his constituents requesting a place in the parish where skaters could congregate and enjoy their hobby, requested the motion, which gained council approval.

“I felt the best place for something like this was Regala,” said Smith. “I would like the administration to look into developing it.”

Robottom said the administration would discuss liability issues and safety concerns with parish insurance representatives, but said the skate park would be added to list of priorities already included in the master plan.