St. Charles Parish Council approves West Bank Spray Park construction
Published 10:48 am Thursday, July 13, 2023
- The St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation's West Bank Spray Park. (Special to the L'Observateur)
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LULING – At the request of President Matthew Jewell, the St. Charles Parish Council approved an ordinance authorizing the execution of construction of the St. Charles Parish West Bank Spray Park and additional parking located at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center at Monday’s council meeting.
“We are thrilled to have a brand-new spray park coming to the West Bank for all of our residents to use and enjoy,” President Matthew Jewell said. “This investment is a testament to the commitment of our Parks and Recreation team to provide recreational facilities that improve the quality of life for all. The spray park will be a place for family fun for years to come. I am grateful for the council’s support in making this a reality for our residents and look forward to the continued growth of the area surrounding the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center.”
The West Bank Spray Park will sit adjacent to the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center and the Veterans Memorial Plaza, creating a hub of entertainment and attractions for residents and tourists alike.
The Department of Parks and Recreation will also add an outdoor restroom facility, an 85-space parking lot with additional handicap spots, and a cement pathway connecting the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center to the Veterans Memorial Plaza and West Bank Spray Park.
“This project has been a long time coming and is truly a testament to the power of collaboration,” Director Duane Foret said. “I am grateful that we have received the support from President Jewell, the St. Charles Parish Council and our community to move forward and make this vision a reality for the youth of our parish.”
Kraftsman designed the 4,635 square-foot swamp-themed spray park, which will have qualities similar to the Ormond Spray Park, including approximately 30 water features, six shade sails and 12 benches.
TEH Enterprise, LLC was awarded the contract with a low bid of $2.2 million. The Louisiana Department of Treasury has allocated $750,000 to this project. The state’s allotment along with a donation of $900,000, will cover $1.65 million of the overall cost. The remainder of the cost will be from the Recreation Fund.
Construction is expected to begin by August 2023 and be completed by Fall 2024.