LAPLACE – With setup for the 2011 St. John Parish Andouille Festival in full swing at the St. John Community Center, parish officials have opted to close the neighboring Highway 51 Park for the remainder of this week and into next week.

Parish spokesperson Paige Braud said with carnival rides continuing to arrive, space for parking and activities at the park is becoming more and more limited, and the parish is concerned about the safety of the residents.

“We do want to apologize for any inconvenience the closure will cause, but we want to avoid safety hazards and accidents on site,” Braud said.

Braud said parks in the Cambridge, Belle Pointe and Emily C. Watkins area are equipped with walking paths for residents. Walkers are also encouraged to utilize the parish’s new multi-use trail along the levee in LaPlace.

The park will reopen by next Wednesday.

The adjacent public library will remain open during its regular business hours.