Stadium Project Starts Soon
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Although an exact date has not been established, construction work for Phase 1 of the South Park project is scheduled to begin early during 2025, according to Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor.
Alsandor, who attended the monthly Opelousas Downtown Development District meeting on Friday, complimented ODD for acting as the primary funding mechanism that will move the projected $7.49 million initial phase forward.
The first phase includes renovating Donald Gardner Stadium with a facelift, refurbishment and new lighting. Major Phase 1 improvements will feature an artificial turf for football and soccer, an eight-lane track and expanded vehicle parking for events held at the facility.
“This is a collaborative effort on the part of many and (the project) will keep the city moving forward with economic growth. It will be something to be proud of, not only for the city but for the parish,” said Alsandor.
The project will be owned and operated by the city which is assisting with funding through $1 million in capital outlay money and other revenue streams.
ODD executive director Lena Charles said during the November meeting that the Phase 1 project was originally budgeted for $6 million. The lowest of the three project bids was $8 million, while the highest bid was $12 million, Charles said at the November meeting.
Bond money will become available for Phase 1 as soon as contract obligations are signed, Charles added.
ODD member Keith Broussard said the District had experienced a $4 million 2024 net income by Nov. 30.
Questions About Phase 2
Shawna Sias, who attended the Friday meeting, questioned the need to demolish the outdoor swimming pool at South City Park to facilitate the construction of a $2.98 million Phase 2 civic center.
Preserving the pool facility, which hasn’t been used in at least a decade, could serve a beneficial purpose for Opelousas residents and especially the Black community, Sias said.
Projected costs to remove the South Park Pool are about $500,000.
Sias provided statistics that she did not reference, which indicate that 64 percent of Black children are more likely to drown because they do not know how to swim.
In the Opelousas area, Sias said poverty levels inhibit children from learning to swim because they lack the money to pay for private facilities that have swimming instruction.
Elderly residents, including those who are Black, have cardiovascular issues that could be helped if a public swimming pool was available, Sias said.
Parks and Recreation Director Chris Rideau said elderly swimming and swimming opportunities for youths are available at North City Park.
Rideau pointed out that the North City Park pool was completely renovated several years ago.
