Westlake recreation plans for summer

WESTLAKE, La. (KPLC) - After a very unusual year, the parks and recreational services in Westlake are on their way back to ‘normal’ for the summer.

Despite pandemic blues, Westlake residents still find a reason to stay active.

“There’s always something here to keep you motivated, and that’s what we need - that motivation,” said Westlake resident Willietta Thomas.

Thomas visits the Westlake Recreational Center daily to exercise and often to socialize.

“It’s good for your mind for one thing for us too, and it’s also good to be able to come and be around other people.”

The city offers a variety of (COVID-19 restricted) indoor activities. But with summer coming, many are missing the days of 2019 where they could play outdoor sports or take a dip in the pool.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to open it due to COVID-19 last year. So, we’re moving forward with plans to open up a normal summer, and we’ll adjust as necessary,” said recreational manager Lesly Deville.

The outdoor pool isn’t the only 2019 relic returning this year. Recreational softball and baseball are making a comeback too.

“When corona hit, none of the kids had anything to do. We had to stay inside, and it’s time to let the kids get out,” said Dustin Duhon, Westlake rec athletic director.

Duhon also said that kids from Moss Bluff have been welcomed into the Westlake league amid hurricane destruction to their fields and facilities.

“I think that we all are just clinging to that hope, being able to get back to some sense of normalcy,” said Deville.

Westlake Recreation District 1 is still looking to hire a summer staff for lifeguards as well as it’s summer programs.

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