Valero donates $500,000 to St. Charles parks department

Published 11:29 am Friday, May 24, 2024

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce a generous donation from Valero that will support community enhancement upgrades at the East Bank Bridge Park, which was announced at a check presentation ceremony held on May 22.

“We are grateful to Valero for their dedication to the community and generous contribution to future East Bank Bridge Park revitalization,” President Matthew Jewell said. “I am excited for our residents to have another major improvement in their parks and look forward to the new state-of-the art upgrades on the East Bank.”

Valero’s donation will assist in facilitating the development of two new turf infields, tennis courts, two pickleball courts and LED lighting, which will transform the East Bank Bridge Park into a premier recreation destination for the resident of St. Charles Parish.

“Valero is committed to giving back to our community through volunteerism and financial contributions. This donation is one example of that commitment, and we are excited to play a part in helping to upgrade this facility for all to enjoy,” said Jerry Stumbo, Vice President and General Manager of the Valero St. Charles Refinery.

“The East Bank Bridge Park has been a staple in our community for more than 30 years, and we are thrilled to bring upgrades to the park that will improve the overall quality of life for all St. Charles Parish residents,” Director Duane Foret said. “Our department is grateful to Valero’s contribution, and we are committed to continuously seeking upgrades that benefit our community.”

The 11.52-acre park is located at 13244 River Road in Destrehan. The East Bank Bridge Park was established in the early 1990s and consists of two multi-purpose fields, batting cages, a concession stand, an outdoor basketball court, a pavilion, an inclusive playground set, a remote-control car track, restrooms, tennis courts and a walking track.

The East Bank Bridge Park Revitalization engineering is about 90 percent complete, and the project is anticipated to go out to bid by early fall 2024.