NORCO – Shell Chemical, LP and Motiva Enterprises LLC recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction of the Norco Greenbelt Recreational Park.

The event was held recently at the corner of Fifth Street and Goodhope St. in Norco.

On hand for the event were Shell Chemical Site Manager Carol Triebel, Motiva Enterprises Refinery Manager Keith Casey, community members and the Greenbelt Steering Committee, construction contractor LaMay Group and St. Charles Parish officials including Parish President Albert Loque, Councilmen Lance Marino and Dickie Duhe, and State Representative Gary L. Smith.

Carol Triebel welcomed everyone and said she was honored to be able to commemorate the start of construction on the Norco parks.

Carol went on to say though she had lived in Norco for only a short time, she has come to recognize the great sense of community spirit and pride the Norco residents exuberate. Triebel thanked the residents for working together in the design and planning of the parks.

Keith Casey, Motiva’s refinery manager, spoke to the group about the significance of the parks. “You can envision kids playing here and parents picnicking here,” he said. “I think that’s the intent of the park.”

The 13-acre site will be divided into two sections. The eastern site bordered by Norco and Good Hope streets will include a walking path, picnic area, and off-street parking. The western site, between Washington and Cathey streets, will feature improved lighting for an existing baseball field, plus a new softball field and grandstand areas with covered dugouts. A greenbelt steering committee of Norco residents hosted community meetings to solicit feedback and collaborated with Shell and Motiva to develop the park plan. “We helped design everything,” said Sal Digirolamo, president of the Norco Civic Association, who was a member of the steering committee. . Other members include Milton Cambre, Irma Roussel, Katherine Haydel, Clyde Taylor, Ralph Miller, Rodney Cambre, Jane Banquer, Tony Perret, Greg Miller, and Larry Matson.