Assumption Parish jurors vote to pause sale of Lavenderville Ballpark after public outcry

The Assumption Parish Police Jury voted to halt plans to sell the Lavenderville Ballpark after several residents said the property is actively used and supported by volunteers and local sponsors.

Chelsea Rodrick, speaking during public comment, said volunteers have maintained the ballpark since May, sold sponsor signs and organized youth programming, and asked the jury not to "sell a public park from under our children." Her remarks prompted a lengthy discussion among jurors about community use, past discussions with prospective buyers and the legal process for selling donated public property.

Mister Brookes moved that the jury not proceed with a sale; the motion was seconded and carried after jurors recorded six votes in favor and two opposed. The motion was phrased as a temporary halt while the proper legal and public processes proceed.

The jury also asked staff to commission an electrical-engineer inspection of the ballpark’s lighting after residents reported safety concerns, and to restrict public use until the site is cleared as safe. Jurors said the inspection request is intended to protect users and verify whether recent volunteer improvements meet code and FEMA guidance cited by staff during the meeting.

The jury received letters and in-meeting testimony that the ballpark had substantial volunteer investment and program interest: commenters said they had secured sponsors, recruited volunteers and recorded sign-ups for youth activities. Jurors who opposed an immediate ban said they wanted to follow the formal disposal and public-notice process for donated property, and some asked staff for written options and legal guidance before any final disposition.

The jury’s action does not cancel a formal appraisal or other administrative steps discussed earlier by the finance committee; staff were directed to provide a timeline and legal outline of next steps. The jury also asked that any future motion or sale process include public notice and an opportunity for community input before a final decision.

The ballpark vote followed committee reports and a full meeting that considered drainage, equipment rental, sewer-rate options and other parish business. The jury’s motion to pause sale was the most contested public item at the Aug. 28 meeting and concluded with an explicit instruction that no community activities resume at the park until the electrical inspection and any recommended repairs are completed.