P&R Committee Meets
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Members of the newly-formed Opelousas Parks And Recreation Commission acknowledged on Wednesday night that overseeing the operations of two municipal parks will be an important task.
Although It was an introductory affair that required no voting, the meeting at City Hall was nonetheless the first convened by the Commission since 2019.
At this point the Commission is choosing to meet monthly on Sunday evenings.
How commissioners will help regulate the two parks and how effective their decisions become won’t become apparent until January.
Chairman Keith Washington said the ordinance that defines the boundaries of the Commission ordinance indicates the seven commissioners appointed by the Board of Aldermen earlier this year, will act more as an advisory organization that reports to the Board.
Washington added the Commission should avoid letting personal relationships with elected officials or anyone else affect policies recommended by the Commission
Commissioner Kersten Major admitted that commissioners will play an important role in shaping how the parks function.
Mayor Julius Alsandor, who attended the meeting, said the Commission will have the authority to examine budgetary matters related to the parks.
Revenues and expenditures for the both parks are contained in the general fund budget, Alsandor said.
Alsandor said the Commission will also be provided with a schedule of events that occur in the parks.
Washington said Parks and Recreation Director Chris Rideau is expected to provide input at Commission meetings.
“(Rideau) will answer to (the Commission) about everything,” Washington added.
Commissioner Steve Picou said it will also be a requirement for the Commission to inventory the equipment used at each park and inventory costs for purchases and maintenance.
“We want to know how every dollar is spent and where every dollar comes from. We can’t make decisions if we don’t have all the information we need,” Picou noted.
Major said he wants the Commission to examine safety procedures, potential liability issues and youth sports volunteerism.
“We need to find ways to do something for those that help and do things that are going to keep (youth sport volunteers),” Major said.
Picou reminded the Commission needs to remember that the parks also provide havens for multi-generational events such as walking trails and community gatherings..
