New park in the works for Moss Bluff community - KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Now that community input is in and planning phases have begun, a new park is in the works for Moss Bluff.

It will soon start taking shape off Theriot Road.

The park is expected to provide a place for family and friends to gather by the river.

Right now, the site is acres and acres of woods, but it will soon be a recreation destination.

Calcasieu Parish Police Juror Shannon Spell said much more is in the works.

"There are plans in the works for a pavilion structure that people can rent out and use for family functions, gatherings, meetings, recreational facility," he said.

The parish purchased about 27 acres of land to create a Prien Lake, White Oak-type of park in Moss Bluff.

"We are trying to strategically locate parks around the parish to improve the quality of life and recreation activities for the people of Calcasieu Parish," Spell said.

The project has been in the works for a couple of years. Police jurors have worked with the public on the site.

"We wanted this to be a park that people had an active voice in creating," he said.

The first phase of the project is set to begin this year and will focus on the boat launch where officials plan to increase parking and to enhance the launch itself. Restrooms will also be added.

"We do have quite a bit of water-oriented recreation in Calcasieu Parish, fishing tournaments, fishing, skiing, so we definitely wanted to improve and enhance the existing boat launch facility," Spell said.

Currently, the project is wrapping up the design and permitting process.

"We are still optimistic that we are on schedule and construction on the first phase should proceed the summer or the fall of this year," he said.

Spell said the park will be worth the wait.

"It will eventually turn into a community meeting place that will be available for not only the people of Moss Bluff in Ward One but the entire parish and Southwest Louisiana," he said.

The parish receives a certain amount of gaming revenue.

The project will be funded by portions of that revenue that is set aside for capital projects.

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