St. Charles Parish officials broke ground and celebrated the commencement of construction on the West Bank Bridge Park Phase I Revitalization project Thursday afternoon. 

"Our residents have been asking for these West Bank Bridge Park improvements for many years, and I'm happy to say we are delivering state-of-the-art upgrades for our residents to enjoy for years to come," President Matthew Jewell said. 

Phase I of the West Bank Bridge Park Improvements includes the construction of new synthetic turf infields at Field 1 and Field 2, fresh grass outfields with an irrigation system and updates to fencing, backstops and dugouts. The department also will install new light poles and LED fixtures at the tennis courts, Field 1 and Field 2.

"The West Bank Bridge Park is the most-used park in the parish, and this capital investment proves the parish's commitment to continuously seek out upgrades that improve the quality of life for our residents," Director Duane Foret said. "I am thankful for the support from President Jewell, the St. Charles Parish Council and our community to move our parks in the right direction and create an enhanced space for all residents to enjoy."

At the next council meeting, the Parish Council will vote on updates to the tennis courts featuring new pickleball courts. 

Kort's Construction Services, Inc. was awarded the field upgrades with a low bid of $1,984,500. The Louisiana Department of the Treasury has allocated $750,000 to the project. The remainder of the project's cost will come from the Recreation Fund, and some funds may be awarded from Hurricane Ida repairs. 

The lighting contract was awarded to All Star Electric, Inc. with a low bid of $1,189,422. 

West Bank Bridge Park construction is expected to be complete in time for the Spring 2024 season. 

The mission of the St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide quality recreation programs, activities, parks and facilities that allow residents to enhance their quality of life. For more information on Parks and Recreation, visit scpparksandrec.com or call (985) 783-5090 or follow us on Facebook (@scpparksandrec) and Instagram (@scpparksandrecreation).