JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — Andrew Borque has been taking his children to Delta Playground in Metairie for years.
“It’s everything about the kids,” Borque said. “You want the kids to have these places and these opportunities.”
Jefferson Parish finalized a report on Tuesday that includes big plans for Lemon Avondale, Johnny Bright, Delta, Bridge City, and Rosethorne Playgrounds. It includes programs like year-round sports leagues, fishing camps and classes, a lacrosse program, and pickleball teams.
Jefferson Parish Chief Administrative Assistant Mario Bazile says they’re shaking things up, in part, due to the parish’s aging population.
“We just have to think differently,” Bazile said. “We can’t sit around an empty building and wait for things to change.”
He says recreation reimagined will provide new recreational opportunities, not just for children but for all ages.
When Jefferson Parish announced the playground revamp a year and a half ago, not all residents were happy. Part of the parish's plan could include consolidating certain sports teams, which some community members fear will take away opportunities from children.
“We just want them to work with us to bring the kids back to the playground, not take the kids from the playground,” one concerned resident said.
Not Borque, who is on a steering committee for the plan, is excited to see change at his family’s favorite playground.
“Times change,” Borque said. “We have to update things with the times, just like everything needs to be updated. It’s time to get involved in new programs, to come and be competitive, and bring these kids back to sports.”
The Recreation Reimagined Report includes the following recommendations:
Avondale Playground
- Year-round cheer and tumble academy
Bridge City Playground
- Archery Range
- Multi-purpose track
- Fitness station
- Tot lot
- Pavilion
Johnny Bright Playground
- Year-round basketball program
- 9-court tennis hub
Delta Playground
- Baseball and softball academy
- Two new fields
- Batting cage
Lemon Playground
- Boxing program
- Martial arts academy
- Lacrosse program
Rose Thorne Playground
- Boating classes
- Fishing classes
- Refurbishment of tennis courts
- Fitness stations
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