Photogragh: Architectural Sketch For Proposed Phase One Redesigned Donald Gardner Stadium Project
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Plans are apparently moving forward to convert Donald Gardner Stadium into a multi-sport complex, according to several elected and appointed officials representing St. Landry Parish.
The first phase of the project which is estimated to cost about $2.2 million includes uprooting and relocating the current grass football field surface and replacing it with artificial turf, said Lena Charles, who represents Opelousas’ Downtown Development District.
Additionally District 40 state representative Dustin Miller said during a separate interview that the initial project phase also includes building an eight-lane track surface the encircles the football field and redesigning the current Donald Gardner Stadium parking lot.
The plan also includes building a baseball-softball field complex that Miller said will attract travel ball teams and visitors to use South City Park.
A proposed architectural design of the first project phase can be seen in the foyer of Opelousas City Hall.
Charles said the DDD will contribute a yet undisclosed amount of funding for the project, while Parish President Jessie Bellard has allocated $500,000 to help pay for the total costs.
Bellard said the $500,000 designated for the Donald Gardner Stadium project will originate from American Rescue Act funding. A matching $500,000 ARA allocation will be provided to the City of Eunice in order to help municipal officials there proceed with the Liberty Theatre renovation, Bellard said.
ARA revenues will qualify for the project Bellard said, since the parks renovation is intended to increase tourism.
Miller said the state has also agreed to provide funding for the project.
Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor said during an interview on Friday that the city plans to spend $500,000 for the first phase of the project.
The six St. Landry Parish public schools currently have five outdoor tracks that are unusable due to their deteriorating condition, according to District officials.
Constructing the track at Donald Gardner Stadium might provide the opportunity for schools to hold outdoor track meets in St. Landry rather than going to other parishes, Miller said.
Miller estimated that if city officials agree to proceed with the project, reconstruction could start as early as January.
Alsandor has not provided specifics of the project during an Opelousas Board of Aldermen meeting.
Donald Gardner Stadium was first used for football during the 1959 season.
