Work Begins
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
A construction crew began initial work on the $7.85 million Phase 1 Donald Gardner Stadium repurposing project Monday morning, as pieces of heavy equipment began removing fencing around the perimeter of the 66-year-old facility,
Workers for John Durand Construction located in St. Martin Parish were busy throughout the afternoon, tearing down the outfield fence at what was formerly the Mustang League baseball diamond in addition to the chain link fence located in the rear of the stadium scoreboard.
An employee for the company who did not identify himself, said the work crew dispatched to the site on Monday will be responsible for providing assistance with the dirt work and disposing of such items as light standards at the stadium and the baseball field..
The worker added that he expects the entire Phase 1 project to be completed by September.
Most of the former baseball field, the worker added, will be used for vehicle parking once the stadium renovations and the construction of an eight-lane track are completed.
John Durand Construction, the worker said, has experience with similar artificial turf and outdoor track construction at high schools in Lafayette Parish.
Sales tax revenue currently collected by the Opelousas Downtown Development District from designated “big box” retail stores located primarily on the south side of Opelousas, will be used to fund most of the Phase 1 construction.
The ODD agreed in 2024 to bond approximately $6.5 million from sales tax proceeds to help offset construction costs. Revenue from the city, parish and the state will also be used to pay for the remainder of the Phase 1 expenses.
ODD members have stressed in meetings during the past year that the Donald Gardner Stadium project will be managed by the city once it is completed.
Revenues from events at the stadium will be used to repay the ODD for the share of costs associated with the District.
According to construction plans, Phase 1 includes replacing the grass field now used for football and soccer at the stadium, with artificial turf.
Completion of the eight-lance track will give the parish an eight-lane municipal track.
Westminster Christian Academy, located south of Opelousas, completed an eight-lane track at the school campus in 2023.
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