Parks and Recreation

PARKS AND RECREATION

⬚ figure Blackwater Conservation Area

⬚ figure Hooper Road Park

Introduction:

Parks and Recreation

Parks not only provide accessible open spaces and recreational opportunities for residents, but are a source of intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and social benefits to our cities – from economic development, measurable health benefits from providing direct contact with nature, opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, important settings for arts and cultural programs, play spaces that provide hands-on learning environments to match the varied learning styles of children, and increased social capital of a community. Parks provide green infrastructure – the interconnected system of green spaces that conserves natural systems, sustains clean air and water, and helps to manage storm water. Green infrastructure is a community’s natural life support system. Just as growing communities need to upgrade and expand access through their built infrastructure of roads, trails, bike paths, sewers, and utilities, they also need to upgrade and maintain their infrastructure of green spaces, greenways, parks and conservation areas. Since the great flood of 2016, recent hurricanes, and the Covid 19 Pandemic, the importance of parks to the citizens of the Parish has risen dramatically. They’ve served as an urban refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life – providing psychological, emotional, and overall well-being through stress reduction, and improvement to cognitive functioning. During these difficult times, BREC parks served as red cross shelters, food and other social service distribution locations, and even provided free wi-fi to citizens.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Introduction

Core Values and Aspirations of the Vision

A diverse group of residents and stakeholders representing all parts of East Baton Rouge Parish provided input through workshops, open houses, interviews, focus groups and survey discussions. Respondents consistently cited the following core values and aspirations they believed should be the foundation for building a vision for East Baton Rouge Parish.

Core values that relate to parks and recreation:

Equity: All residents have access to a good education, public services, housing and job opportunities.

Safety: People feel safe where they live, work and play.

Strong Neighborhoods and Communities: Neighborhoods in all areas of the City are desirable places to live and have a range of housing types and nearby amenities to serve the City-Parish’s residents.

Healthy Environment: Natural resources are protected and conserved to provide active and passive recreational opportunities for current and future residents.

Sustainability: The future reflects the creativity and resiliency of East Baton Rouge’s residents and offers a sustainable place for citizens to thrive – with a focus on building a future based on fiscal, physical, environmental, economic and equitable sustainability.

PARKS AND RECREATION

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Comite River Park

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Downtown Greenway

Part I:

A Growing Parks System

East Baton Rouge Parish has an extensive but largely under-used network of existing green spaces. Neighborhood parks, community parks, downtown parks and plazas, parks for organized sports, festivals and concerts are all part of the parks network in East Baton Rouge Parish. The parks and recreation vision for FUTUREBR includes improving existing parks, making strategic investments and increasing maintenance expenditures to enhance the quality of existing parks.

FUTUREBR seeks to promote BREC (Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge) priority actions and recommendations and establish additional programs for land and natural resource conservation and management. In addition, policies that encourage walking, biking, and the alternative transportation networks will create more livable and healthy communities. A high-quality system of parks and recreation resources provides a multitude of community benefits: protecting our environment, preserving wildlife habitat, strengthening local economies, attracting new businesses, contributing to the local tax base, increasing property values, and promoting healthy lifestyles.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 1: A Growing Parks System

BREC is well known for providing community and local parks throughout the City-Parish, as well as extensive, award-winning recreational programs. The majority of BREC’s parks are oriented toward active recreation activities, such as sports and athletic fields and playgrounds. BREC has been expanding its inventory of parks to include more focus on the natural environment, such as the very successful Bluebonnet Swamp Conservation Area and Nature Center, the Blackwater Conservation Area, and Frenchtown Conservation Area. Further, BREC’s growing greenway system provides opportunities for alternative transportation, connects people to parks and open spaces, and promotes healthy living and physical fitness.

With the establishment of 12, soon to be 13, community parks through the 2004 Imagine Your Parks (IYP) and 2014 Imagine Your Parks 2 (IYP2) Strategic Plans, BREC has already raised the standard for parks and recreation facilities in the parish. BREC’s park system contains over 6,600 acres across 175 parks, requiring the operations and maintenance of $350-million in assets. Based on the findings of the BREC Strategic Plan, East Baton Rouge Parish has a well-distributed system of parks and recreation facilities that meets a wide range of needs. There are plenty of opportunities for future park development, including: establishing pedestrian connections between these parks and neighborhoods, enhancing and maintaining existing parks, and working toward setting new standards in quality. BREC and the City-Parish are now challenged to maintain their existing infrastructure of aging parks and to bring its parks and recreation system into a new century of needs, wishes and conditions.

In 2014, BREC developed its 10-year strategic plan – IYP2. With 12 community parks as an outgrowth of the first Imagine Your Parks strategic plan, BREC has transformed the park and recreation experience in the parish. IYP2 is a vision and action plan for parks and recreation in East Baton Rouge Parish that builds upon the successes of BREC’s original Imagine Your Parks plan. It takes into account changes in the park system, recent trends in recreation, changes in parish demographics and economy, and input from the community.

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Scotlandville Parkway

HOW DO RESIDENTS USE THE PARKS? According to the BREC survey conducted in 2023, City-Parish residents use area parks for a variety of activities. The five highest priorities for Parks and facilities were:

• Neighborhood parks - 40%
• Natural areas/conservation areas - 25%
• Large community parks - 22%
• Playground areas - 22%
• Paved walking trains within parks - 16%

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Liberty Lagoon

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 1: A Growing Parks System

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Perkins Road Park

PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES OWNED BY BREC, THE STATE, AND OTHER AGENCIES:

• 6,568 acres of parks
• 3,350 acres of conservation land
• 3,218 developed park acres
• 14.9 acres provided per 1,000 citizens
• 122 playgrounds

IYPs establishes eight strategic directions for BREC to focus on in the next decade and lays out an action plan for getting there, including a set of actions BREC can take to move each strategic direction forward as well as detailed action steps that support each action.

BREC’s continued to implement their strategic plans and goals all in while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and serious weather events. 88 projects, some large scale, were in planning or construction in 2021.

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association awarded BREC with the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

BREC’s update to their strategic master plan includes several transformative projects added to the more than 120 large scale projects completed under the original IYP plan. As BREC nears completion of IYP2 the planning process for the third version is set for 2024. As part of the accreditation process for BREC, a strategic plan is implemented every 10 years.

The Action Plan is driven by eight Strategic Directions:

1. Continue to place a priority on the wise use of taxpayer dollars.
2. Continue innovation in recreation programming.
3. Continue to raise the standard for parks and recreation facilities, and ensure equitable access to park and recreation experiences across the parish.
4. Strengthen and increase natural resource related recreational opportunities.
5. Enhance connectivity by improving the network of multi-use trails to, within, and between parks and community assets.
6. Increase local awareness of BREC’s programs and facilities and the overall value of BREC.
7. Work with partners and the BREC Foundation to achieve common goals and leverage resources.
8. Ensure that BREC’s parks and facilities are operated and maintained efficiently and according to best practices and to define standards for park types.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 1: A Growing Parks System

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BREC Parks and Greenways. Source: EBRGIS

PARKS AND RECREATION

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Urban Parks and Plazas

As the City-Parish fosters new development within the core of Baton Rouge, it’s important to provide access to quality open space within Downtown. The East Baton Rouge Parish Comprehensive Plan supports Plan Baton Rouge in its effort to set the stage for providing quality pedestrian corridors that link urban parks and give shoppers, workers, and residents an opportunity to rest, converse, and people watch.

The Riverfront Levee path provides an area for Downtown workers and residents to exercise and be close to the river. Additional parks and public spaces are owned and maintained by the State of Louisiana and other City-Parish agencies. The State owns the extensive passive parklands around the State Capitol known as Capitol Park and Arsenal Park. The Old State Capitol grounds on River Road provide another park space. BREC owns and operates Convention Street Park, Expressway Park, and Spanish Town Park.

The City-Parish owns and operates the River Center convention facility and adjacent City Hall, which are connected on the western side by a large public plaza built in the 1970s. Repentance Park, located on River Road between the Old State Capitol and the River Center, was redesigned and completed in 2012. Part of that plaza known as Galvez Plaza, along with public space along and in the median of North Boulevard between River Road and Interstate 110, was redeveloped into North Boulevard Town Square. Town Square, managed by the Downtown Development District, provides substantially more public space and makes the spaces highly usable and accessible.

Davis Rhorer, the Director of the Downtown Development District and longtime serving commissioner passed away in March 2021. Rhorer served as Chairmen of the Planning and Park Resources committee and was a member of several other committees. Known as the “Godfather of Downtown”, Rhorer worked closely with BREC on several projects including bicycle and pedestrian projects like the downtown Greenway and the Mississippi River Trail. The Metropolitan Council renamed City Hall Plaza to Davis S. Rhorer Plaza to honor him for all the hard work he has done to make the city a better place.

⬚ figure Repentance Park

⬚ figure College Town Park

⬚ figure North Sherwood Forest Community Park

BREC Neighborhood Parks

BREC has over 135 neighborhood parks that provide a place to play, relax, and convene for neighborhood residents. Each neighborhood park varies in the amenities it provides, but common amenities include playgrounds, small sports fields, picnic areas, and places to walk with or without pets. They serve as a gathering place for the neighborhood, where neighbors can chat and kids can play together. Neighborhood parks are usually accessible by foot, bicycle, or public transit within a half-mile radius of residences, providing easy access to green space especially for children and senior adults.

BREC Community Parks

As of 2016, BREC has developed 12 community parks. These parks serve a larger geographic area than neighborhood parks and are designed to engage people in a variety of activities for longer periods of time. Higher levels of maintenance, security, and recreational opportunities are offered by community parks. Recreational opportunities at community parks can include large sports fields, skate parks, golf courses, dog parks, tennis courts, botanic gardens, trails, large pavilions, theaters, aquatic facilities, and lakes for paddling and fishing.

⬚ figure BREC NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL AWARD In 2022, the Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation system was awarded the National Gold Medal Award by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA). This is the third time that BREC has won this prestigious award, which is given to the best park and recreation system in the United States. BREC was recognized for its innovative programs, its commitment to environmental stewardship, and its ability to provide quality recreation opportunities for all members of the community.

⬚ figure Knock Knock Children's Museum

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 1: A Growing Parks System

BREC Recreational Centers

As of 2021 BREC operates 56 recreational centers. BREC recreational centers are facilities that support park activities and programs, including sports and other recreational activities appropriate to the population or community that uses the park. The facilities serve an important purpose, providing education and recreation to all ages and groups across the Parish. However, the provision of these services is costly, and many of the facilities have undergone substantial wear and tear.

In 2019, BREC commissioned a parish wide survey to assess the needs of the community to create new programs and events and guide future development. The survey established the 87% of East Baton Rouge population utilizes BREC parks¹.

28 capital improvements were completed with a total of 83 underway. They include the bridge crossing and trailhead for the Ward’s Creek bicycle and pedestrian trail, an urban farm and state-of-the-art fitness court at Howell Community Park, the creation of a Championship Field and improved lighting at Burbank Soccer Complex in partnership with the Baton Rouge Soccer Association, Our Lady of the Lake Foundation and St. Joseph’s Academy Foundation, nine neighborhood parks and the master plan for the largest project in BREC’s history: the reimagination of the Baton Rouge Zoo and Greenwood Community Park.

2020 BREC continued its aggressive construction efforts to keep construction companies and their subcontractors working through the pandemic. The team completed 26 capital projects with a total in planning, design and construction including the reimagination of the Zoo and Greenwood Community Park, dredging and revitalization of the Lakes area, a master plan for the 13th community park at Airline Highway, new recreation centers at Howell and Jackson Community Parks, nature station at Frenchtown Road Conservation Area and a 7-mile greenway to connect Scotlandville Parkway to Downtown Baton Rouge.

2021 Expansion and Improvements – BREC’s planning team continued its aggressive effort to complete construction projects in the park system keeping an important sector of the economy in business. The team had 88 projects of varying scope and size underway in 2021 in design/planning and construction. They include:

• The reimagination of the Zoo and Greenwood Community Park.
• Dredging and revitalization of the Lakes area.
• A master plan for the 13th community park at Airline Highway.
• New recreation centers at Howell and Jackson Community Parks.
• Education building and master plan for Frenchtown Road Conservation Area.
• A 7-mile greenway to connect Scotlandville Parkway to Downtown.
• The first turfed fields in the system at Central Sports Park.
• Incorporating green infrastructure into all major projects to prevent flooding.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 1: A Growing Parks System

2022 Despite supply chain issues and skyrocketing inflation due to the COVID-19 virus, large-scale projects are nearing completion including:

• Renovations to Jackson Community Park.
• Nature station at Frenchtown Road Conservation Area.
• New dog park at Lovett Road Park.
• Expansion of the dog park at City-Brooks Community Park.
• New and elevated Recreation Center, swimming pool and pool house at Howell Community Park.
• Bicycle/pedestrian trail to connect Americana to Zachary Community Park.
• Turfed fields and improvements at Oak Villa Sports Complex.
• The dredging of the Lakes.
• The largest project in BREC’s history to reimagine the Baton Rouge Zoo and Greenwood Community Park.
• Construction will begin later in the year on the 13th community park in BREC’s inventory at Airline Highway.
• Greenway to connect Scotlandville Parkway with Memorial Stadium.
• Boat launch at Manchac Park.
• New master plans for Perkins Road Community Park and Bluebonnet Swamp.
• More sections of the Health Loop Greenway.

BREC Special Use Facilities

BREC special use facilities include facilities that serve a single, specialized purpose, such as the Baton Rouge Zoo, sports parks, golf courses, Cohn Arboretum, Farr Park Equestrian Center, Magnolia Mound Plantation, Magnolia Cemetery and Knock Knock Children’s Museum.

BREC Trails and Links for Pedestrians and Bicyclists

BREC currently operates and maintains more than 170 parks within the City-Parish, future development will establish pedestrian and bicycle connections between these parks and neighborhoods, while working to enhance and maintain existing trails.

In 2020, BREC partnered with the City-Parish and DOTD to incorporate the routes identified in its BREC’s Capital Area Pathways Project (CAPP) into the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The CAPP Plan illustrated proposed trails, identified existing segments as well as those implemented in cooperation with other local organizations (including the proposed EBRP Loop and Levee Trail and on-street pathways), and located in BREC parks.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 1: A Growing Parks System

The BREC Commission approved the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in 2020. The routes indicated in BREC’s Greenway Network were derived through public input at workshops held to identify the most desirable trail corridors that provide access to BREC parks and other points of interest in the community. BREC, has primarily planned its greenways within public rights of way such as utility, stream, and drainage corridors, though some on-road facilities are planned to provide vital connections. The planned multi-use trails are intended to provide alternative transportation opportunities that connect people to parks, neighborhoods, shopping and work places. They also promote healthy and active lifestyles, spur economic development and neighborhood revitalization, enhance public safety, promote tourism, attract corporate citizens, spark recreation-oriented businesses, and improve the environment.

Background

The inception of the CAPP program can be linked to the “Imagine Your Parks” Strategic Planning Process in 2004 and prior planning processes. Public interest was focused on trails and the desire to use them for exercise or to commute to parks.

In 2006, BREC held a Trail Route Planning meeting to engage the public and gather input for connectivity trail routes.

The 2014 “Imagine Your Parks2” Strategic Planning process indicated continued interest in recreational trails as the public’s highest requested amenity. $5 million has been budgeted for CAPP trails in the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan Budget.

• 2014 – Ward Creek Bridge goes into redesign in the interest of reducing construction costs. Bridge implementation stalls due to high implementation cost, project enters litigation. Siegen Extension project to Tuscany Villas enters design phase.
• 2015 – CAPP Proposed Parish Trails Master Plan approved by the BREC Commission on October 22, 2015. Full time Trail Planner hired to implement Master Plan. Perkins Road Park and Pennington Trail enter construction phase. CAPP Ward Creek “Health Loop” becomes CAPP Ward Creek “Health Loop” to coincide with the name change of the new Baton Rouge “Health District” whose focus is on promoting healthy living
• 2016 – Perkins Road Park/Pennington Trail construction completed and opened to the public. Design contracts signed for Greenwood Park and Bluebonnet Extension Projects. Siegen Extension project to Tuscany Villas enters construction phase. Grant funding received from LA Recreational Trail Program toward implementation of Ward Creek “Health Loop” Pecue Extension project will extend the trail to Pecue Lane and provide recreational trail benefits to residents in the southeast portion of the parish. Staff working on solutions to provide a bridged crossing of Ward Creek.
• 2017 – BREC receives $3.7 million Congestion, Mitigation, and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to construction trail from Scotlandville Parkway to Downtown.

PARKS AND RECREATION

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• 2017 – BREC creates Blueway Concept plan and constructs first Blueway launch at Highland Road Park on Bayou Manchac.
• 2019 – Siegen Extension from Siegen Overpass to Tuscany Villas.
• 2019 – Ward Creek Bridge connects the initial segments that terminate at Ward Creek and provides a public crossing to destinations geographically separated by the waterway.
• 2020 – The East Baton Rouge Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan was approved and adopted by the BREC Commission and EBR City-Parish. The CAPP plan was incorporated into the overall master plan.
• 2023 – Construction begins on Phase 2 of the Greenwood Greenway

Implementation

BREC has a big vision to connect the northern and southern parts of the parish via an alternative transportation network that combines off-road greenways and on-road bike and pedestrian facilities. This connectivity is critical for a multitude of reasons—from transportation equity and active recreation to ecosystem services and environmental justice. The result will be a safe bike/ped route linking Southern University to Louisiana State University (utilizing the Downtown Greenway and I-10 Greenway that will be built as part of the I-10 Widening Project), and eventually the Health Loop.

As of 2023, BREC has constructed several segments of the Ward Creek and Dawson Creek greenways to create a “Health Loop.” It is envisioned as a comprehensive 10-mile greenway system that will connect several medical facilities and destinations and be accessible to residents, healthcare staff, and patients and their families for recreation and transportation. The greenways consist of a 12 ft. wide, barrier free concrete pathway designed for pedestrians and cyclists. Portions are complete on Dawson Creek at Quail Drive to BREC Perkins Road Community Park. Complete segments on Ward Creek area at Essen Lane to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and Bluebonnet Boulevard to Siegen Marketplace. Plans to connect the Ward Creek Greenway and Dawson Creek Greenway to complete the “Health Loop” are underway.

BREC’s current focus is on implementing the priority greenway projects identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, while providing support and advocacy for implementation of community trail efforts. BREC is continuing to develop network connectivity to BREC parks as well as providing in-park trail circuits for walkers and joggers for exercising within an individual neighborhood or community park.

With funding by the City-Parish and expertise from Bike Baton Rouge, BREC, and Capital Region Planning Commission (CRPC), bike lanes and share the road signs have been installed in downtown and the college campus areas. Additionally, the Scotlandville Parkway Master Plan was completed in 2023, which reimagines the corridor as a multi-modal active transportation system with opportunities to connect with nature and recreate along the way.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 1: A Growing Parks System

Every 10 years, BREC completes the Imagine Your Parks Strategic Plan, a community-driven plan that reveals the public's recreational priorities. Both the 2004 and 2014 Strategic Plans recognized trails and connecting park systems as a leading priority, leading to the EBR Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, adopted by the BREC Commission and the EBR Metropolitan Council in 2020.

The Blueways trail vision has been developed into a concept plan that focuses on Bayou Fountain, Ward Creek and Bayou Manchac. The first parish waterway access was completed in 2017 at Highland Road Community Park on Bayou Fountain. Additional waterway accesses are planned at Airline Highway Park on Ward Creek and Bayou Manchac Park on Bayou Manchac.

The City-Parish is seeking an active role in providing information and wayfinding for cyclists. For example, the City-Parish has painted pavement markings known as “sharrows” on key roadways throughout the City-Parish to indicate that bicycle riders use the road for travel. Bike Baton Rouge maintains bicycle riding routes and other information online and organizes regular bicycle rides. The City-Parish Planning Commission also has an interactive mapping application called BikeBR (www.brgov.com/839/BikeBR) to provide bicycle route information to the public.

Enhancing connections to open spaces for bicycles and pedestrians within existing neighborhoods is a key component of the vision for the future of East Baton Rouge Parish.

Health Loop

Guided by the CAPP plan and recommendations from the Health District Infrastructure Committee, BREC began implementing components of Ward Creek and Dawson Creek greenways to create a “Health Loop.” It was envisioned as a comprehensive greenway system that would connect several medical facilities and destinations and be accessible to residents, healthcare staff, and patients and their families for recreation and transportation. The greenways consist of a 12 ft. wide, barrier free concrete pathway designed for pedestrians and cyclists. Portions are complete on Dawson Creek at Quail Drive to BREC Perkins Road Community Park. Complete segments on Ward Creek area at Essen Lane to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and Bluebonnet Boulevard to Siegen Marketplace. Plans to connect the Ward Creek Greenway and Dawson Creek Greenway to complete the “Health Loop” are underway.

UNIVERSITY LAKES MASTER PLAN

The University Lakes Project is a project to improve the health of the six lakes surrounding Louisiana State University's campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The project will also provide new and enhanced recreational opportunities.

The University Lakes Project is being implemented by University Lakes. LSU owns University Lake and three of the smaller lakes near it. BREC owns City Park Lake and Lake Erie.

The University Lakes Project will create a sustainable lakes system through ambitious environmental restoration. It will also add recreational value for all people of Baton Rouge.

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PARKS AND RECREATION

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Ten-Year Build Out of the Trail System, in conjunction with BREC and City-Parish Government.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 1: A Growing Parks System

BREC SURVEY RESULTS

BREC routinely commissions statistically valid surveys to identify needs and establish priorities for the future development of the parks system. As a result of these efforts, BREC found that the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish want to see:

• Improved existing neighborhood parks
• Improved trails that connect parks
• Development of new outdor pool/aquatic centers
• Improved existing athletic fields
• Land preserved for natural areas

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Bluebonnet Park Nature Center

BREC Conservation Areas and Natural Reserves

Currently, there are few federal or State designated land management areas within East Baton Rouge Parish. While privately owned properties do provide a small percentage of land conservation efforts, the large majority of the City-Parish is subject to future development. BREC currently protects over 3,300 acres of conservation land within East Baton Rouge Parish under several different conservation land designations including Nature Reserve, Conservation Unit, Conservation Management Area and Greenway.

BREC Conservation Areas are protected from further development and encroachment for the sole purpose of preserving wildlife habitat, environmental quality and the loss of species, as outlined by BREC’s Natural Resource Management Plan. Each type of park has different restrictions based on shared use and habitat quality. Nature Reserves are restricted from human disturbance outside of scientific study, environmental monitoring and education. Alternatively, Conservation Areas and Conservation Management Units are designed to conserve biodiversity and habitat while allowing nature appreciation and education activities in order to increase the public’s understanding of the natural world and foster their conservation ethic. These areas play an important role in the Parish, providing quiet and serene trails for hikers, promoting the ecology and biodiversity of the Parish, and providing specific educational opportunities for East Baton Rouge Parish residents of all ages including programming by BREC’s Conservation, Outdoor Education and Environmental Education (CORE) Division. Passive, low-impact recreational activities such as bird watching, hiking, wildlife viewing and geocaching will be encouraged in these areas on designated trails. Additionally, greenway’s are linear areas established to act as a natural buffer or passage corridor which link BREC parks or trails to one another. These areas play a crucial role as ecological corridors allowing wildlife to migrate and species to interchange and/or their ability to more effectively and safely

connect people to parks. Combined, these protected lands will provide outlets to the parish on a variety of levels while conserving and restoring historic habitats throughout the parish and protecting high quality areas from future development. The acquisition of such natural areas should remain a priority for BREC and the City-Parish, increasing the amount of land protected as the parish’s population also increases.

BREC’s Natural Resource Management Plan, Imagine Your Parks Plan2, and Capital Area Pathways Project (CAPP) propose new parks, conservation areas, and trails along with goals regarding management of BREC’s natural resources to promote biodiversity and healthy historically represented habitats. Individual management plans and Biodiversity Assessment Reports for Nature Reserves, Conservation Units and Conservation Management Areas will include scientific surveys of habitat quality and provide restoration suggestions and justification for use restrictions. The Imagine Your Parks2 Plan sets forth a series of action items that BREC is undertaking to strengthen and increase natural resource recreational activities.

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IMAGE YOUR PARKS2 PLAN: ACTION ITEMS

1. Implement BREC’s Natural Resources Management Plan
2. Develop and implement a land acquisition and easement program focused on creating a connected parish-wide network of natural resources, particularly greenway and blueway corridors.
3. Develop, integrate, and promote nature-based education and recreation programming across ages and skill levels.
4. Promote conservation stewardship volunteerism that provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to leave a positive legacy in the park system.
5. Build on BREC’s “Geaux Green” movement to strengthen sustainability policies across the organization.

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Part 1: A Growing Parks System

Priorities for Parks

Improving and Maintaining Existing Parks

East Baton Rouge Parish residents wish to see their existing parks improve. Of the 155 parks inventoried as part of the 2014 BREC Strategic Master Plan, only eight were rated as excellent. There were 115 parks, or 70 percent, rated as fair or poor. These parks will require a major investment in capital to reach an acceptable service level.

The most common perceived issues regarding parks in the City-Parish are the increasing age of park inventory, a lack of uniformity of maintenance operations, insufficient security, and the lack of ADA access to parks and their facilities. East Baton Rouge Parish residents wish to see additional amenities within their parks, including rest rooms, additional trails, picnic shelters and picnic tables.

Increasing Access to Parks

East Baton Rouge Parish residents overwhelmingly travel by car to visit parks within the City-Parish. About 89 percent of respondents to the 2014 BREC survey indicated they travel by car to use parks and recreation facilities, compared to 28 percent who sometimes walk, and 16 percent who sometimes bike.

An analysis of the active park network within the City-Parish limits shows that most residents live within walking distance (i.e., straight line distance of 0.5 miles or less) of a public park or facility. However, many parks are located within areas where safe street connections are not frequent enough to be within a reasonable walking distance for most users. BREC Greenways have been sited to provide connections from residential areas to parks in the attempt to provide safe walking and biking access. The use of small neighborhood parks that are owned and governed by homeowners’ associations are another way to provide access to additional parks within neighborhoods.

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University Lake

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 2:

Goals, Objectives and Actions to Achieve the Vision

This section details the parks and recreation goals, objectives and actions that will move East Baton Rouge Parish toward the community’s Vision.

Goals are the big over arching ideas, changes or practices that are essential to realize the community’s Vision.

Objectives establish specific, measurable, attainable and realistic goals that guide how the Comprehensive Plan is implemented in a way that will achieve the Vision.

Actions outline the steps needed to achieve the objectives.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 2: Goals, Objectives and Actions

Parks and Recreation Goals

1. Increase quality of existing parks, access to parks and recreation facilities, and diversity of programs.
2. Improve and expand pedestrian and bicycle paths and trails to promote active recreation and to provide better connections to parks.
3. Expand the City-Parish's nature parks while providing educational and recreational opportunities to Parish residents.

Parks and Recreation Goal 1

Increase the quality of existing parks, access to parks and recreation facilities, and diversity of programs.

Objective 1.1 Improve and maintain existing parks and increase park safety.

Actions to support objective 1.1: 1.1.1 Leverage available resources and forge and strengthen strategic ties to operate, maintain, and develop parks, programs, and facilities. 1.1.2 Partner with BREC to enhance the quality of existing parks through establishing design criteria and guidelines. 1.1.3 Increase safety and security in all City-Parish parks. 1.1.4 Employ Crime Prevention through Environmental Design guidelines to the planning and development of recreational facilities and open spaces where appropriate. 1.1.5 Evaluate and study existing parks, facilities and programs. Work with BREC to develop and implement performance measures for East Baton Rouge Parish parks, including information about program participants and park users. 1.1.6 Maintain park and recreation agency accreditation standards as defined by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies.

Objective 1.2

Provide a balanced range of park types, including active and passive recreation, conservation parks, and neighborhood parks as recommended in Imagine Your Parks2.

Actions to support objective 1.2: 1.2.1 Collaborate with BREC to implement the latest strategic plan's recommendation to meet a the plans standards. 1.2.2 Develop an equity-based framework and new delivery model for recreation centers. 1.2.3 Upgrade some existing recreation centers as determined in the new delivery model to provide close-to-home needs or unique program opportunities. 1.2.4 Implement and maintain the Riverfront Master Plan as an identity feature for Baton Rouge and support the park corridor plans as detailed in Plan Baton Rouge. 1.2.5 Update the "Imagine Your Parks Strategic Plan2" on a ten-year cycle.

Objective 1.3

Ensure that parks and recreational facilities meet the needs of all residents within the City-Parish.

Actions to support objective 1.3: 1.3.1 Provide public planning opportunities for new parks projects and review input from concerned citizens regarding the planning and development of recreational and open space facilities. 1.3.2 Acquire additional parkland in strategic growth areas and existing neighborhoods that have few park access opportunities. 1.3.3 Promote safe, fun, and inclusive environments for recreational and leisure activities by using appropriate accessibility and environmental design guidelines for planning and development of recreational facilities, including but not limited to: ADA, NRPA, EPA, etc.

Parks and Recreation Goal 2

Improve and expand pedestrian and bicycle paths and trails to promote active recreation and to provide better connections to parks.

Objective 2.1 Prioritize implementation of new trails as greenways for access to natural resources.

Actions to support objective 2.1: 2.1.1 Continue coordination with LADOTD and BREC to develop and implement a bicycle and pedestrian master plan. 2.1.2 Implement the Greenway Network established in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, taking into consideration the development of regional links and coordination when new routes are established. Review and update the plan as needed. 2.1.3 Invest in a network of multi-use bike pedestrian connecting trails that will link connect people to parks, neighborhoods, shopping, jobs, and other important places. Focus trail development in riparian areas,

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Part 2: Goals, Objectives and Actions

public rights of way, drainage servitudes, as well as areas defined in the Environment and Conservation element for restoration and re-naturalization such as:

• Create bike and pedestrian path connections along BREC’s Health Loop Trail on Wards Creek.
• Increase bike and pedestrian access to parks and the Mississippi River in North Baton Rouge.
• Extend multi-use paths to connect Southern University to the north and Farr Equestrian Park south of LSU.

Objective 2.2 Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Actions to support objective 2.2: 2.2.1 Implement crosswalks at all roadway crossings along primary bicycle and pedestrian trails, with traffic signal controlled crossings at major roadways. 2.2.2 Implement railroad safety crossings at all rail line crossings along primary bicycle and pedestrian trails, with gated and controlled rail crossings at rail lines with high volumes of train traffic.

Parks and Recreation Goal 3

Expand the City-Parish’s nature parks while providing educational and recreational opportunities to Parish residents.

Objective 3.1 Increase recreational and educational opportunities in the City-Parish, centered around appreciation and understanding of the natural environment.

Actions to support objective 3.1: 3.1.1 Continue to support BREC’s initiatives set forth in the Imagine Your Parks Plan2 to implement and facilitate programs that reduce the loss of species diversity, as well as to acquire conservation land for protecting native species while providing a variety of recreation opportunities including nature centers, parkways, greenways, and blueways. Additional land should be acquired as the City-Parish population increases. 3.1.2 Pursue development of blueways and conservation areas. 3.1.3 Acquire a conservation area that has rich wildlife and plant habitat value along the Comite River in the portion that is classified as Scenic River which ends at the confluence with White’s Bayou. 3.1.4 Acquire three conservation areas that have wildlife and plant habitat along the Amite River. 3.1.5 Establish additional areas of conservation parks in areas adjacent to Cypress Bayou and Hurricane Creek. 3.1.6 Acquire conservation land identified in the Natural Resource Management Plan.

Objective 3.2 Implement passive recreation programs in nature parks focused on environmental education.

Actions to support objective 3.2: 3.2.1 Collaborate with the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and private schools to: develop science and ecological education programs, bring students to ecological parks, and conduct classes there. 3.2.2 Partner with other agencies and nonprofit organizations, including the LSU AgCenter, Sierra Club, Louisiana Urban Forestry Council, Baton Rouge Green, Hilltop Arboretum, Baton Rouge Audubon Society, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and Louisiana Geological Survey to enhance education in the Parish.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Part 2: Goals, Objectives and Actions