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Parks and Rec reports record youth participation, new parks projects planned
Summary
The parish parks director reported a jump in recreation participation to record levels, new school partnerships, completed splash pad and batting cage projects, and upcoming restroom and kayak‑rental initiatives as part of a parishwide master plan.
Eric Willis, Director of Parks and Recreation, told the Iberville Parish Council on May 19 that recreation participation has rebounded to record levels and described several completed and planned projects across the parish.
Willis said youth registrations in baseball and softball increased to 636 this season after a post‑COVID dip, calling it "our personal best." He credited staff outreach and new partnerships with local school districts and coaches for the growth, and noted parish‑wide participation across programs was about 1,600 last year with plans to expand.
Completed work includes the Bayou Blue Splash Pad and near‑complete, lighted batting cages at Creston Park; upcoming projects listed by Willis include restroom facilities at Belle Vue, Burden Park and Bayou Goula, turf installation at Creston, and a parishwide master plan for long‑term park improvements. Willis also described swimming lessons (50 kids at the island and about 30 at a satellite program), expanded Camp 360 sites, and a pilot kayak‑rental kiosk at Bayou Plaquemine.
"This year... 636, which is our personal best," Willis said of baseball/softball registrations, adding that staff are "always looking for new programs" and community partnerships to broaden access.
Council members praised the division’s work and asked several follow‑up questions about access, security at events, and program timelines. Willis said security is provided at games and staff survey participation trends to adapt programming.
No vote was required; the presentation was informational and staff said they will return with project timelines and budget details for capital improvements as they move toward construction and procurement phases.
