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Parks director touts program growth, asks council for volunteers and raises pool proposal
Summary
IPRD director Eric Willis told the council the department has grown participation by about 33% since 2021, operates 15 parks, is expanding programs (Camp 360, swimming lessons, youth sports) and requested volunteer support; he and council discussed restroom maintenance, lighting projects, and seeking land for an east-side park and public pool.
Eric Willis, director of Iberville Parish Recreation and Development (IPRD), briefed the council on Oct. 21 about program expansion, facilities work and operational challenges.
Willis said IPRD now manages 15 parks and facilities, reported roughly 33% program growth since 2021 and cited more than 1,000 participants enrolled as of July 1. He described completed projects (Belleview Park facility upgrades, LED lighting at multiple parks, resurfacing at Paul Field, new maintenance building at Belleview), ongoing work (splash pad construction, new restrooms at several parks, proposed batting cages at Crescent) and proposed projects (searching for east-side park land in St. Gabriel and resurfacing and walking-track efforts at Maragan Park).
Willis also reviewed programming: Camp 360 (joint effort with the school board), expanded swimming lessons at Belleview and plans to add sessions in Eastville, youth track and flag football, and low-cost program fees ($40 per program). He said adult programs are limited and that volunteer recruitment is the major constraint: "If we get volunteers and people that want to help in the communities, we can get things done," Willis told council members.
Council members raised maintenance concerns: portable restroom cleaning schedules at Burton Park and others were discussed; Willis apologized and pledged to improve service. Willis and the council also discussed a request to pursue a parish public pool; President Dagel and members expressed support for exploring potential sites and budget options.
What happens next: IPRD will continue planned capital projects, push outreach for volunteers, and incorporate staffing and facility needs into the FY2026 budget request.
