Presentation to improve recreation in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.

1. Envision…More Parks, Arts and Trails
Close to Home

2. Plan Vetted at Five Public Meetings in April
Signs and Advertising Alerted the Public
Every Person’s Comment Included
Facebook Site Published the Plan
2000+ Visits on Facebook
Listening to the Community

3. Results of Public Meetings
Presented to Recreation Committee April 7th
Worked into the Final Plan
Reviewed by the Citizens Advisory Group
Recommendations from the Citizens Advisory Group

4. Results of Public Meetings
Group Represents All Areas of Recreation
Participated in Public Meetings
32 Members Strong
Reviewed Public Comments
Approved Plan and Funding Concept

5. “Build a Sense of
Community”
“Upgrade Local
Parks, Have
Standards”
“Have Money for
Maintenance and
Security”
“Need Sports for
All Ages Including
Seniors”
“Do More
Programming and
Publicize It”
“Recreation
Includes Arts Not
Just Sports”
Results of Public Meetings | Key Messages

6. “Missing the Boat
on Tournaments
“No Opposition to
Multi-Use Sports
Park”
“Paddling and
Nature Trails are
Very Important”
“Don’t Forget
About Needs on
West Bank”
“Include Land for
Boy Scout
Camping”
“Widespread
Support for the
Plan”
“Need Programs for
Handicapped and
Disabled”
Results of Public Meetings | Key Messages

7. Results of Public Meetings | Upgrades for Local Parks
Playground Equipment
Power and Lighting
Walking Trails
Upgraded Pavilions
Repaired Restrooms
Resurfaced Courts
Family Picnic Areas
Tennis Courts

8. The Plan | New Parks
New Kayak/Boat Launches Parish Waterways
Spray Parks St. Amant and Dutchtown
Spanish Lake Nature Trail
Boy Scout Campground
Fishing Piers, Boat Launches, Trails,
Picnic Tables and More
Shooting Range
Expand Shooting Range
Skeet Area
Fishing Pond District 11 Property with Pier
Dog Park Location to be Determined

9. The Plan | Donaldsonville Fairgrounds

10. The Plan | Donaldsonville Fairgrounds
Three Softball Fields
Two Soccer Fields
Baseball Field, Batting Cages
Concession Building, Covered Bleachers
Pavilion and Restroom
Lake and Multipurpose Building
Two Basketball Courts
Spray Park
Playground for Toddlers

11. The Plan | Multi-Use Sportsplex

12. The Plan | Multi-Use Sportsplex

13. The Plan | Multi-Use Sportsplex

14. The Plan | Multi-Use Sportsplex
Seven Soccer Fields
Three Football/Lacrosse Multiuse Fields
Seven Baseball Fields/5 Batting Cages
Six Basketball/Volleyball Courts – Gym
Performing Arts Theater (780 Seats)
Outdoor Amphitheater
Jogging Trail Around Lake
Camping Area

15. The Plan | Tournament Revenue
Facilities Host Tournaments
Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Soccer
Convenient for Ascension Families
Revenue for Hotels, Stores and Restaurants
Tax Revenue for the Parish
Basketball Example:
Allstate Sugar Bowl Super 60 Tournament
411 Teams, 4500+ Players and Families
Minimum of 10,000 People

16. The Plan | Estimated Costs
Construction Costs: $23.4 Million
Construction Contingency 2.3 Million
Engineering, Surveying,
Testing, Administration
4.6 Million
Total Project Cost: $30.3 Million

17. The Plan | Proposed Funding
Dedicated Funding for Recreation
5 Mills for Property Owners in Ascension
Millage Will Provide: $58 M over 10 Yrs.
50/50 Split: Construction and
Operations/Maintenance
Place on Ballot November 4, 2014
Look for Grants and
Public-Private Partnerships
Starting at a Practical Level of
Facilities and Services

18. The Plan | Costs to Homeowners
Home Value Monthly Cost Annual Cost
$150,000 $3.13 $37.50
$200,000 $5.21 $62.50

19. Taxing Districts of Ascension

20. Baton Rouge Recreation (BREC)
Dedicated funding of 14.038 Mills
Operating Budget: $44 M Annually
10 Year Capital Improvement Plan: $73 M
Second Phase-Capital Improvement Plan
Voters Renewed 6.2 Mills/10 Years for CIP and
Operations on May 3rd
33.9%
26.4%
19.6%
20.1%
Community Parks
Special Use Facilities
Neighborhood Parks
System Wide Needs

21. Value of Recreation in Ascension Parish
Builds a Sense of Community
Saves Travel and Provides More Family Time
Increases Positive Behaviors in Youth
Reduces Juvenile Delinquency
Encourages Performing Arts
Generates Revenue from Tournament Visitors
Enhances Quality of Life for Everyone

22. Envision…More Parks, Arts and Trails
Close to Home

23. We Welcome Your Comments and Questions