Stadium Project Hosts Groundbreaking

BOBBY ARDOIN

Editor/Consulting Writer

Bulldozers and heavy equipment continued unearthing dirt at the Donald Gardner Stadium playing surface Wednesday morning during a ground-breaking ceremony in which city, parish and state officials touted the economic and life-quality benefits for an estimated $8 million Phase 1 South City Park project expected to reach completion by September.

The City of Opelousas-owned,operated and managed refurbishing of the stadium facility and adjoining areas, will feature a turfed football and soccer field, an eight-lane outdoor track, expanded vehicle parking and interior and exterior renovations for the concrete stadium that was first completed in 1959.

Funding for the project is being obtained from a $6.5 million bond approved by the Opelousas Downtown Development District, $500,000 from parish government COVID money and additional state and city funding.

ODD revenues for Phase 1 are generated from an extra 1-cent sales tax on items purchased at selected “big box” retail stores on the south side of the city.

Originally state representative Dustin Miller and Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor asked the St. Landry Parish School District for $1 million for Phase 1, but school officials rejected the request.

Miller and other officials who spoke at the Wednesday event said the overall benefits for Phase 1 will extend beyond Opelousas.

“This project will be utilized not only by the schools in Opelousas, but by every school outside the city. What you are seeing here (on Wednesday) is the result of a lot of work done in connection with Phase 1.I think this is one of those projects where if you build it, they will come,” added Miller.

Alsandor explained that although there were initial funding obstacles, enough revenue was found to push Phase 1 forward.

“This has been a collaborative effort by the city, parish and the state. It is the result of many entities and many voices. There were moments where we didn’t think this would happen,” said Alsandor.

ODD executive director Lena Charles noted that city officials eventually approached the ODD to provide the heavy financial assistance.

“This is something that is not politically motivated. (The District) is just putting the city in position to grow a better quality of life,” Charles said.

Charles pointed to the austere economic conditions that existed when Opelousas resident and Olympic gold medalist Rodney Milburn was forced to develop his track skills on a dirt track.

“That is why I wanted to bring this kind of vision and hope to Opelousas. We also want to bring dollars that are going to stay here. That is why we (the ODD) are working with five local banks (for Phase 1),” Charles said.

Project architect Michael Cullen said the Donald Gardner improvements will include a new drainage system that complements the artificial turf.

Cullen added the stadium “contains good bones.”

However the 65-year-old facility will also undergo cleaning, resealing, renovated bathrooms, concessions and a visitors’ side restroom, said Cullen.

While Cullen praised the benefits of playing sports on the artificial surface, Steve Picou, in an email to St. Landry Now.com, noted that scientific studies have shown that playing on natural turf reduces the chances for athletic injuries

In the letter Picou also wrote that studies have shown that artificial turf “creates a deadly mix of heat, impact injuries and toxic chemicals that threaten the health of players, coaches and the environment.”.S