Dirt is turning at Moncus Park!
Lafayette, LA, March 13, 2018 — On Tuesday, March 8, 2018, Lafayette Central Park, Inc. (LCP) enacted the 99-year lease with Lafayette Consolidated Government and the work to create this new landmark park began on Monday, March 12! After many local contractors bid on building Phase 1 of the park, Trahan Construction was selected with the most competitive pricing.
Phase 1 development will be focused within the front 60 acres of the 100-acre park property and will include walking paths, a pond, gardens, tree houses, a kayak launch, an off-leash dog park, a mini-golf course, a Farmers Market Pavilion, and more.
“We have been waiting for this day since we began the public engagement process in 2013 to develop the master plan. We look forward to the day when we can all enjoy the park features the community told us they wanted,” says Lenny Lemoine, LCP Chairman. “Also, we hope the public will join us to celebrate the official Groundbreaking Celebration for Moncus Park on Tuesday, March 27th at 5:30 p.m. in the Live Oak grove along Johnston Street. It’s a historic moment for our community and is leaving a beautiful legacy for our children and our children’s children.”
According to Elizabeth “EB” Brooks, Executive Director of Moncus Park, these Phase 1 improvements will make the property even more enjoyable and accessible for all. “The addition of parking, pathways, seating, handicapped-accessibility, and restrooms will allow everyone to appreciate the full beauty of this property. The community developed the vision for this world-class park, they are donating the funds to build it, and now they will see their dreams come to life out here.”
During construction, there will be limited access to park grounds. While access will be limited, the Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market will continue as scheduled on Saturday mornings, 8 a.m. to noon. Safety fencing has been erected, prohibiting access to the park beyond the Coulee Mine. The front Live Oak grove and lawn area adjacent to the red barn will remain open to the public, as well as their leashed four-legged friends, to enjoy seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. More information about the ceremony, updates on construction, and how citizens can help build the park, will be on both the park’s website and Facebook page.