L A F A Y E T T E

PARKS

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A N D R E C R E A T I O ND E P A R T M E N T

G E N E R A T I O N S O F M E M O R I E S

FROM THE DIRECTOR

It is my pleasure to submit the annual report of activities, programs and capital improvement projects forthe Parks and Recreation Department for the calendar year ending December 31, 2017.

Under the guidance of Mayor-President Joel Robideaux, CAO Lowell Duhon, the Lafayette ConsolidatedGovernment Council and the Recreation Advisory Commission, the department successfully implementedall of the identified goals for the year without any facility or program reductions.

The dedicated employees in the department continue to “do more with less” and have provided the specificprogram numbers for your review in this document. We remain grateful for the thousands of volunteersthat assist our staff in positively impacting the quality of life for the citizens of Lafayette Parish.

On behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department staff, please accept our thanks for your role in our success.

Sincerely,

Gerald R. Boudreaux, DirectorParks & Recreation Department

PARKS & RECREATION MISSIONSTATEMENTTo provide the citizens of Lafayette Parish

the opportunity to participate in a

wholesome environment in which they can

experience a leisure time that is

diversionary in character, and to assist in

promoting entertainment, pleasure,

relaxation and other physical and mental

development.

LAFAYETTE CONSOLIDATEDGOVERNMENTMission Statement: The mission of the

Lafayette Consolidated Government is to

enhance the quality of life of our community

by providing high-quality, cost-effective

services that meet the needs and

expectations of the public.

CITY/PARISH COUNCILFront row: William Theriot, Nanette Cook, KennethBoudreaux, Liz W. Hebert, Bruce Conque. Back row: KevinNaquin, Jay Castille, Jared Bellard and Patrick Lewis.

MAYOR PRESIDENTLAFAYETTE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENTJoel Robideaux

RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSIONTed Weber, Danny LeBlanc, Leroy Barrington, HaroldPorter, Johnnie Stinson, Jr., Michael Helms, Judy Placer,Frank Hebert III, Douglas Cochrane, Brian McCarley,William LaBar, Merlin Leger.

INTRODUCTIONThe crossroad is here. Decisions must be made. Interested parties must take a stand, though not all of themcan have a vote on the outcome. There is no standing still. The choice is to keep up with the growth orbecome obsolete. It truly is that simple.

The Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department operates on funding approved by the voters in 1961. Fifty-seven years. Think about how much our community - our world - has grown and changed in that time.Three generations.

Lafayette Parish in 1960 had a census population of 84,656. In 1961, that 1.92 millage supported five parks,two recreation centers and one golf course. Now, that same millage is the foundation for funding 35 parks,four swimming pools, three golf courses and 10 recreation centers serving a population of 234,963 (2016American Community Survey/U.S. Census Bureau). Of course, that growth means the millage brings in moreactual dollars (when fully funded) than it did in 1961. User fees bring in some additional revenue, but thosestill dwarf need. And, ironically, only city residents vote on the matter, while the Department has facilitiesand programs throughout the parish.

Over the past 20 years, approximately 995,747 people haveparticipated in organized league/group/team sports throughParks & Recreation, nearly 50 thousand per year. Hundreds ofthousands more participated in events held in Departmentfacilities. Countless others took advantage of green spaces.Approximately 1,724,425 rounds of golf have been played,averaging 86,221 every year. User fees have generated nearly$2.3 million a year, for a total of approximately $46,590,000.A lot of money, certainly. But then think of building (addingfacilities, playing fields, etc.), and maintaining those facilities.Think of the equipment and supplies needed, utilities, repairs,insurance and staffing for facilities and grounds that are openalmost every day, all day long. Suddenly those resources arestretched perilously thin. Budgets become a means forsurvival, not improvement and growth.

Decades ago, the Department was the source, the location for recreation throughout the parish. Facilitieswere designed and built for the needs of the time, with an eye toward the future. Programs, especiallythose aimed toward youth, were developed and nourished by parents and volunteers, overseen by staffmembers. But today, things have changed. Though youth programs still constitute the heaviest use offacilities and programs, the Department is no longer “the only game in town”. Smaller communities in theparish are to be commended for taking the initiative and building their own athletic fields and recreationcenters. Carencro, Broussard and Youngsville have all passed millages and built first-class facilities in recentyears.

But there is a difference between those communities and the Department. Surrounding communities havebuilt not just to serve their population, but to generate income. Games, tournaments, events all come at asizeable price. The Department’s mandate is to serve ALL of Lafayette Parish. And while there are fees toparticipate, every effort is made to make opportunities available to all. So, though a team may play at anew, bells-and-whistle facility, it probably practices (for free) on a Department field. While family andspectators may appreciate the comfort of new stadiums, concession stands and bathrooms, they are payingto enter those stadiums, and for the amenities they offer.

Time and heavy usage are taking a toll on our community’s buildings. Putting as many resources as possibleinto programs and opportunities for all has put pressure on budgets. Partnerships with civic groups,businesses and users have made many things possible, and volunteers are the backbone of programming,but burnout becomes an issue.

Appealing for more funding is not easy. It is no one’s idea of fun. But if we are to continue to serve – tooffer ALL of Lafayette’s citizens the opportunity to grow through physical and mental development, toenhance our community’s quality of life – we MUST return to the visionary character of decades ago. Ourchildren, and their children, depend upon it.

The Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department makes every effort to meet the needs and expectations of itscitizens. The staff strives to be a positive influence in the lives touched by the Department. Questions,comments and suggestions are, as always, welcomed, and should be directed to the administrative staff ofthe Parks and Recreation Department.

The choice is tokeep up with the

growth orbecome obsolete.

PARTICIPATION

Tennis (league and tournament play) 7,200

Disc Golf Tournaments 630

Basketball (men and women) 620

Soccer (spring and fall) 348

Flag Football (fall) 120

Adult Total: 8,918

YOUTHPARTICIPATIONSummer Swimming 5,500

Soccer (spring and fall) 5,083

Track and Field 4,000

Basketball (boys, girls, teener and all-stars) 2,000

Baseball (spring and fall) 1,736

Football (general, teener and youth flag) 856

High School Swim League 546

All-Stars Baseball/Softball 450

Fastpitch Softball 432

Youth Volleyball 210

Slowpitch Softball League 180

Tri-Star Basketball 28

Youth Total: 21,021

YOUTH SPECIAL EVENTPARTICIPATIONSoccer Tournaments 9,800

Swim Meets 6,000

Junior Tennis Clinics 525

School Tennis Leagues 480

Junior Golf Clinics 410

Youth Coaches’ Clinics 200

Punt, Pass & Kick (local and regional) 98

Youth Officiating Clinics 20

Youth Special Event Total: 17,533

THERAPEUTIC RECREATIONDIVISION

ADULT PARTICIPATION

Acadiana-Area Special Olympics 6,928

Ongoing Therapeutic Recreation Activities 3,318

Therapeutic Recreation Participant Total: 10,246

NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH ASSOCIATIONSLafayette residents can take advantage of dozens of team activities offered through its Neighborhood YouthAssociations. Organized by hundreds of volunteers giving thousands of hours of service annually, theseAssociations are a crucial element in the success of the Parks & Recreation Department. The Associationsallow for a much wider variety of recreational opportunities (for youth and adults alike) than the Departmentwould be able to offer through paid staff.

The seven Neighborhood Associations are responsible for all aspects – organization, coordination andfinancial – of the various athletic programs. The rules and regulations of the Associations, while decidedupon by the Associations, are approved by both the Parks & Recreation Department and the RecreationAdvisory Commission.

Neighborhood Youth Association leadership: • Broussard/Youngsville Youth Association (BYYA): Kayla Reaux, president • Brown Park Athletics (BPA): Darrell Duffy, president• Cajun Sports Association (CSA): Daniel Chapman, president• Carencro Area Youth Sports Incorporated (CAYSI): Bertha Hebert-Van Dyke, president• Scott Area Team Sports (SATS): Tony Napolitano, president• South Lafayette Youth Sports Incorporated (SLYSI): Keisha Lazard, president• South West Athletics (SWA): Derek Arabie, president

Recreation Centers Working daily to meet the goals of the Department’s mission statement “… assist in promotingentertainment, pleasure, relaxation and other physical and mental development”, The Centers and ProgramsDivision of LPRD juggles the demands and schedules of 10 facilities spread across Lafayette. While two ofthe facilities carry the label of Activity Center (having smaller spaces for activities, meetings, etc.), the othereight are full-fledged recreation centers offering meeting spaces, game rooms and gymnasiums; some evenoffer kitchen facilities. Trying to balance the demands of a wide range of users requires understanding, skill,compromise and cooperation between users and staff. The 40-plus volunteers serving on the Center AdvisoryCommittees help by serving as Center advocates, as well as assisting with the development and delivery ofprograms. The members of the Maintenance Division are increasingly valuable as well, as nearly all Centersoperate at levels well over their originally-designed intent.

Whether it be a fitness session or crochet class, line dancing or weightlifting, ceramics or Meals on Wheelsdistribution, tutoring or martial arts, swim leagues or (adaptive) Therapeutic Recreation activities, each ofthese Centers plays a vital role in their neighborhood and in the vitality of the Department. Sports leagues,free play, wedding receptions, class reunions, civic club meetings and more are all part and parcel of anormal day for this Division.

Home to the Summer Enrichment Camp during each June and July, approximately 800 youth ages 5-14have an opportunity to interact with their peers in a safe and supervised environment, where trained staffstrive to meet the goal of providing interesting, interactive and educational activities.

RevenuesAthletic Registrations/Summer Enrichment Program Revenues: $242,381Facility Rentals: $170,137Instructor Revenues: $48,762Swimming Revenues: $44,036Campground Revenues: $35,881 Tennis Revenues: $35,453

2017 Recreation Rental and Revenue Total: $576,650

GOLFLafayette gives golfers three diverse courses upon which to enjoy and improve their game. From thevenerable Jay & Lionel Hebert (“Muni”) course to the competitive Les Vieux Chenes to the challenging TheWetlands, each of these public courses offers their own tests of skill.

All courses promote growth of the game through encouragement of junior golfers. Hebert and The Wetlandseach held Junior clinics and tournaments; the annual Hebert Junior Golf Classic had 200 participants. LesVieux Chenes and Hebert once again welcomed high school golfers throughout their season for bothpractice and competitive match rounds. Les Vieux Chenes hosted the Louisiana High School AthleticAssociation’s Girl’s High School State Championship, while The Wetlands was the site for two of the fourdivisions of the Boy’s High School State Championships.

Les Vieux Chenes hosted monthly tournaments for the Senior Men’s Golf Association; Muni was the site ofmonthly competitions for both Men’s and Senior Men’s Golf Associations. The three courses were the sitesof dozens of fundraising tournaments for schools, businesses, charities and civic groups throughout theyear.

Course specific information:

Jay & Lionel Hebert continued the customary replacement of one-third of the golf cart fleet. Personnelcompleted construction of three new Senior tee boxes; one of the course’s major irrigation pumps wasreplaced. A new machine used for top-dressing greens was purchased, and plans were begun to improvedrainage issues in several cart path/parking areas.

Les Vieux Chenes put into service 30 new Yamaha carts (one-third of its fleet). Work was done to improvedrainage on fairways throughout the course. New targets and flags were installed on the driving range;new flagpoles and a sign were put up next to the course’s clubhouse, and a new course-identifying/welcomesign was installed at the intersection of Hwy 89 and Rue des Vieux Chenes.

The Wetlands completed drainage work on three holes and finished widening cart paths around theclubhouse, encouraging golfers to remain on the paths and lessening turf damage near the facility.

The Golf Division generated approximately $2.2 million in revenue on 76,626 combined rounds.

OPERATIONS/MAINTENANCE; IMPROVEMENTSAn often-commented-upon group, the employees of the Operations and Maintenance Division work to keepthe four swimming pools, 10 recreation centers and 1,300 acres of parks and golf courses up to thestandards of our residents. With so many of the buildings and grounds in near-constant use, theirs is anever-ending task.

• Numerous Recreation Centers received needed repairs and upgrades, highlighted by new air conditioning equipment at Comeaux Recreation Center and a kitchen/conference room renovation at Heymann Park Recreation Center $200,000

• New playground equipment/units were installed at Acadiana Park Campground (2), Brown Park, Moore Park (2), Neyland Park (2) and Picard Park 168,000

• Parking lot resurfaced and new park sign at Brown Park 142,400

• New mowers and equipment 100,000

• Neyland and Mouton Parks had new pavilions installed 10,000

• New exercise equipment was purchased for Girard Park 7,000

• Thomas Park’s walking path had a section of concrete replaced 6,000

• A new sign was installed for the George Bowles Recreation Center 2,450

Total Improvements $635,850

PARKS LIST1. Acadiana Park – 1005 E. Alexander St.117 acres open play area, lighted tenniscourts, soccer fields, basketball courts,backstop ball diamond, covered picnicarea with grills, restrooms, water fountain,children’s playground with babyequipment, campground, 36-hole disc golfcourse, jogging trail, bike/mountain biketrails, nature trail, nature station, historicalor commemorative markers

2. Arceneaux Park – 835 E. Main Broussard31 acres - tennis courts, soccer fields,basketball courts, lighted ball fields,backstop on Pony field, batting cages, t-ball, covered picnic areas, restrooms,children’s playground

3. Beaullieu Park – 410 W. West BluebirdDr. 29 acres Comeaux Recreation Centersoccer fields, lighted ball fields, battingcages, concrete slab for in-line hockey,jogging trail, walking track, covered picnicareas, restrooms, water fountain,children’s playground with babyequipment

4. Beaver Park – 500 Fisher Rd. 70 acresTennis Center (tennis lessons byappointment) tennis courts (lighted courts,clay courts and hitting wall), ball parks,covered picnic areas, large pavilion(reservations required), children’splayground with baby equipment, fishingpond with pier and boat ramp, historicalor commemorative markers

5. Broadmoor Park – 605 Broadmoor Blvd.8 acres lighted ball fields, covered picnicareas, restrooms, water fountain

6. Carencro Park – 4003 N. University Ave.,Carencro 17 acres - open play area, tenniscourts, basketball courts, lighted ballfields, t-ball, covered picnic areas,restrooms, handicapped restrooms, waterfountain, and children’s playground withbaby equipment

7. Chargois Park – 606 Guilbeau Rd. 10acres open play area, tennis courts, soccerfields, basketball courts, lighted ball fields,covered picnic areas, restrooms, waterfountain, children’s playground with babyequipment, historical or commemorativemarkers

8. City Park – 901 Mudd Ave. 104 acresDomingue Recreation Center 18-hole golfcourse and clubhouse (Jay and LionelHebert Municipal Golf Course, a.k.a.“Muni”); 121 Shirley Picard Drive - MoutonSwimming Pool & Bath House (outdoorOlympic-size pool) Clark Field - lightedfootball and soccer stadium with field turfsurface, basketball courts, backstop balldiamond, picnic areas, children’splayground

9. Dalton “Pee Wee” LeBlanc Park – 2036Carmel Dr. 5 acres - basketball courts,backstop ball diamond, covered picnicarea, children’s playground

10. Debaillon Park – 510 Saucier Dr. 33acres J. Carlton James Recreation Centerpavilion with lights and picnic tables, 2lighted flag football fields, 1.5-milewalking/bicycle trail through park, tenniscourts, basketball courts (1 covered),picnic areas, restrooms, water fountain,children’s playground with babyequipment

11. Derby Playground – 105 Aris Dr 1 acrechildren’s playground with babyequipment, basketball goal

12. Dorsey-Donlon Park – 301 Cora St. 15acres Martin Luther King Recreation Centeroutdoor pool, tennis courts, basketballcourts, ball parks, jogging trail, coveredpicnic areas with grills, restrooms,children’s playground with babyequipment

13. Duson Park – 101 B. Robin Rd., Duson29 acres covered pavilion with lights &benches, open play area, ball parks withlighted fields, t-ball, covered picnic areaswith grills, restrooms, children’splayground

14. Foster Memorial Park – 399 4th St.,Youngsville 16 acres - open play area,tennis courts, soccer fields, basketballcourts, lighted ball fields, four backstopswith dugouts, batting cages, walkingpath, covered picnic areas, concessionstand, restrooms, water fountain,children’s playground, historical orcommemorative markers

15. Girard Park – 500 Girard Park Dr. 33acres Main Office of Lafayette Parks &Recreation Department Girard ParkRecreation Center - outdoor pool, 1.25mile jogging trail, work-out station,covered pavilion with restrooms and grill(reservations required), open play area,tennis courts, hitting wall, outdoorvolleyball courts, basketball courts,backstop ball diamond, covered picnicareas, restrooms, handicapped restrooms,water fountain, children’s playground withbaby equipment, playground forphysically- and mentally-challengedchildren, 9-hole disc golf course, children’ssplash pad, ping-pong table, fitnessequipment, pond, natural wildlife,historical or commemorative markers

16. Graham Brown Memorial Park – 1234E. Pont des Mouton Rd. 50 acres - GeorgeDupuis Recreation Center timber challengework-out station, 1-mile jogging trail,batting practice areas, horseshoe pits,lighted tennis courts, covered picnic areaswith grills, restrooms, water fountain,children’s playground with babyequipment, dog park area with pavilions

17. Heymann Park – 1500 South OrangeSt. 28 acres Heymann Park RecreationCenter pavilion, .5-mile jogging trail,lighted tennis courts with hitting wall,regulation baseball field, basketball courts,18-hole disc golf course, covered picnicareas, restrooms, children’s playground

18. I. R. “Bud” Chalmers Park – 2129 N.University 182 acres The Wetlands GolfCourse and Driving Range, clubhouse withsnack bar, pro shop, cart and club rentals

19. J. Otto Broussard Memorial Park(Southside Regional Park) 221 La NeuvilleRd Lafayette 222 acres Fabacher FieldBaseball Complex, Public Library atFabacher Field, pond with fishing pier,soccer fields, pavilions, playground, LesVieux Chenes 18-hole golf course,clubhouse and pro shop, cart rentals,driving range, snacks available

20. J.W. James Playground – 1001 HopkinsSt. 4 acres open play area, basketballcourts, backstop ball diamond, .4-milejogging trail, covered picnic areas withgrills, restrooms, water fountain, children’splayground

21. Judice Park – 500 Golden Grain Rd.,Duson 22 acres tennis courts, basketballcourts, soccer fields, lighted ball fields,batting cages, jogging trail, covered picnicareas, restrooms, water fountain,children’s playground

22. Lil Woods Playground – 200 Ile CopalesAve. 3 acres basketball courts, picnic areas

23. Maurice Heymann Memorial Park –700 Girard Park Dr. 3 acres garden,benches, walking path, picnic areas,historical or commemorative markers

24. Moore Park – 250 Couret St. 130 acressoccer complex (24 fields), lighted soccerfields, lighted softball fields, youth footballfield, covered picnic areas, hiking trail,mountain bike trail, go-kart/motor track,restrooms, children’s playground, fishingpond and pier

25. Mouton Playground – 803 Center St. 6acres open play area, tennis courts,basketball courts, covered picnic areaswith grills, restrooms, water fountain,children’s playground with babyequipment

26. Neyland Park – 1919 Eraste Landry Rd.30 acres Robicheaux Recreation Center EarlJ. Chris Olympic-size heated indoor pool,basketball courts, lighted ball fields,batting cages, covered picnic areas withgrills, restrooms, handicapped restrooms,water fountain, children’s playground withbaby equipment, historical orcommemorative markers

27. Eraste Landry (Oaklawn) Playground –1000 Jeanne St. 7 acres - baseballbackstops, benches, open play area,covered picnic areas with grills, restrooms,water fountain, children’s playground withbaby equipment

28. Pa Davis Park – 120 Dawn St. 30 acresBowles Activity Center- 1-mile joggingtrail, rental pavilion, lighted soccer field,basketball courts, lighted ball fields,covered picnic areas, restrooms, children’splayground, therapeutic playground area,18-hole disc golf course

29. Parc de Lafayette – 539 Jefferson St. .5-acre small bandstand, waterfall fountainwith small pool, benches, commemorativemarkers

30. Picard Park – 130 Park Dr. 24 acres BMXtrack, tennis courts, soccer fields, ballparks, lighted fields, t-ball, outdoorbasketball court, .5 mile jogging trail,covered picnic areas, restrooms,handicapped restrooms, children’splayground with baby equipment

31. Plantation Park – 1801 Kaliste SaloomRd. 11 acres lighted ball fields, restrooms

32. Scott Park – 1200 Cormier St., Scott 17acres jogging trail, backstop ball diamond,lighted fields, covered picnic areas withgrills, restrooms, children’s playground

33. St. Anthony Playground - 501 Helen St.2 acres basketball courts, covered picnicareas with grills, restrooms, waterfountain, children’s playground with babyequipment

34. Thomas Park – 300 Geraldine St. 18acres Thomas Park Recreation Center .6-mile jogging path, tennis clubhouse(lessons by appointment), lighted tenniscourts, hitting wall, basketball court,soccer fields, ball parks, children’splayground

35. Veteran’s Park – 200 Feu Follet Rd. 6acres Veteran’s wall naming all deceasedAcadiana veterans having served inVietnam, pavilion, natural wildlife, coveredpicnic areas with grills, restrooms, waterfountain, children’s playground with babyequipment, fishing pond, historical orcommemorative markers

For more information on registration,neighborhood boundaries, competitionschedules, fees, etc., call the LafayetteParks and Recreation Department at337.291.8370 or 337.291.8362.

Parks and Recreation Department500 Girard Park DriveP.O. Box 52113Lafayette, Louisiana 70505

Phone: 337.291.8370Fax: 337.291.8389