DeRidder council introduces parks code restricting 'wheel vehicles' and a bicycle playground contract

On May 26 the DeRidder City Council introduced a parks code amendment that would prohibit operation of a broad set of "wheel vehicles" in city parks and on city-owned movable property unless specifically permitted by posted signs. The ordinance lists city parks (West Park, Northside Park, Brian Park bicycle playground area, Serenity Park, Harmon Park) and exempts designated areas established by the director of public works.

The proposed ordinance defines covered devices to include motor vehicles, ATVs, four-wheelers, go-karts, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates and similar wheeled sporting equipment, and makes violations misdemeanors enforceable under the city code. The ordinance text also explicitly exempts a designated bicycle playground located within Brian Park.

Council members also introduced an ordinance authorizing a contract with American Ramp Company to design and construct the bicycle playground/pump track intended to promote youth engagement, physical fitness and tourism. Staff described the company in packet language as a national designer and builder of pump tracks and skate facilities.

Why it matters: The code change would create enforceable restrictions intended to protect park users, park infrastructure and public safety while enabling a designated bike playground area and advancing a capital project to build that playground.

What’s next: Both the parks code amendment and the contract ordinance were introduced and scheduled for public hearing on June 8, 2026; the council will consider final adoption after public comment.