By JIM MUSTIAN

Staff Reporter

MONTZ – Montz Park, a 20-acre swath of land off River Road near the Bonnet Carré Spillway that’s somewhat reminiscent of a sandlot, is about to receive a $70,000 makeover.

St. Charles Parish announced last week that the Entergy Charitable Foundation is awarding the parish department of parks and recreation a $70,000 grant to be used toward purchasing new playground equipment and other enhancements for the park.

Other new features could include two pavilions with picnic tables, barbecue pits and bleachers for the baseball field, said Renee Allemand, public information officer for St. Charles Parish. Officials said the addition of bleachers could prompt local recreational teams to host future home games at Montz Park.

Allemand said the parish would rely heavily on community input in deciding which enhancements to make with the funds. She said local residents should contact Councilman Marcus M. Lambert with their suggestions.

While Montz Park remains largely undeveloped, it currently features a batting cage, a backstop with two fenced-in dugouts and a paved basketball court. But St. Charles Parish President V.J. St. Pierre Jr. said the park is due for some major changes.

“New subdivisions and population shifts after (Hurricane) Katrina have brought many more families to Montz within the last three years, so we know the playground will be well used,” he said in a statement.

Officials said the enhancements would likely be complete by early next year.

Entergy will present parish officials with a check at a ceremony Wednesday morning scheduled for 10 a.m. at the park located at 100 Calcagno St. in Montz. The public is invited to attend.