“Did you know that Eastbank Bridge Park is getting a major facelift?” I ask. This park isn’t just a green space. It’s a community hub getting a $3.5 million revitalization.
Eastbank Bridge Park is set to become a state-of-the-art recreational area. This transformation is thanks to the St Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Department. They started construction in November 2024. The expected completion date is April 2025.
Most of Eastbank Bridge Park is currently closed for renovations. However, the gravel lot and playground remain open for now. They will close when the lot gets paved. Civil and Environmental Consulting Engineers of Luling designed the project. Jones Construction Solutions, LLC is the contractor.
So what’s new at Eastbank Bridge Park? Prepare for two new tennis courts. Get ready for two pickleball courts plus a batting cage and a basketball court. The baseball fields will get turf infields. Fresh grass outfields with an irrigation system are also planned. Fencing, backstops, and dugouts are all getting updates. New light poles and LED fixtures are coming to the tennis courts and fields.
Valero St Charles donated $500000 for the new turf fields. The Louisiana Department of the Treasury allocated $750000. The parish is contributing nearly $2.5 million from parish funds.
The renovations at Eastbank Bridge Park follow similar updates to West Bank Bridge Park. These were completed in April. These updates included new turf infields and fresh grass outfields. New fencing, backstops, and dugouts were added. Four new pickleball courts and updated tennis courts were also included. Enhanced lighting with LED fixtures completed the project.
The Parks and Recreation Department aims to create equal opportunities on both sides of the river. The community loves the renovations at West Bank Bridge Park. The turf fields are a favorite feature. The upgraded baseball fields and new pickleball courts will benefit East Bank residents greatly.
Parish President Matthew Jewell calls East and West Bank Bridge Parks flagship parks. By mid-2025, residents will enjoy world-class facilities on both sides of the river.
St Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Director Duane Foret says this investment enhances the quality of life for residents. He looks forward to residents enjoying the new state-of-the-art upgrades.
But that’s not all. A new boat launch is planned near Eastbank Bridge Park. It is part of a larger parks update. The Department of Parks and Recreation manages 356 acres at 56 sites. These include parks, boat launches, and multi-use paths. They also manage the Edward A Dufresne Community Center.
Several projects were completed last year. These include the Veterans Memorial Plaza and updates to Monsanto Park. Irrigation was installed at Ashton Park. IMTT Park received new pavilions, sidewalks, bathrooms, and batting cages.
A new fence was installed at Lagattuta Park. A storage facility was added to Badalamenti Park. The restroom at Boutte Park was renovated. Des Allemands Park received a new basketball court.
Work continues on projects started in 2023. These include improvements to West Bank Bridge Park and construction of the West Bank Spray Park. The Rathborne Park restroom facility is also being worked on.
The West Bank Spray Park will mirror the splash pad in Destrehan. It will also include 85 additional parking spots and two outdoor pavilions. An outdoor restroom connected by sidewalks will be added.
The Des Allemands boat launch is a long-awaited project. The parish has been working on it for 16 years. The launch site is south of US Highway 90. It sits between Bayou Des Allemands and WPA Road. Access will be from WPA Road near Allemands Elementary and Des Allemands Playground. Bethune Park in Norco will also be revitalized. Four multipurpose fields will better serve all age groups. So come on down to Eastbank Bridge Park in 2025. Experience the upgraded facilities and enjoy the revitalized space.