Harahan council pledges city match for inclusive playground, project set to start in August

Council members voted unanimously May 21 to commit the city to cover costs beyond state funding for the Harahan Memorial Phase 2 inclusive playground.

Councilman Asbill offered the resolution, saying the playground will be an ADA-compliant inclusive play set located between the T-ball field and the shelter. He told the council the city had already budgeted $100,000 toward the local match and that the total project cost is expected to be under $700,000. "The plan is done," Asbill said; "they're just waiting on shipments to come in for some custom product that ships August 10, and so they're gonna start, moving dirt August 1."

Council members pressed for where the remainder of funds would come from; Asbill said the other $300,000 is coming from direct state treasury funds. Councilman Riggs asked about timing; Asbill and staff said the build would take a couple of weeks once materials arrived.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote. After the vote, a council member thanked Asbill for leading the effort and for work already done to budget the matching funds.

Why it matters: the project will expand accessible recreation in Harahan, and council discussion flagged the city's continuing need to manage matching obligations and project timing so state reimbursements and local cash flow align.

Next steps: staff will finalize procurement and construction schedules; the council and administration plan to monitor shipments and begin site work in early August.