Sw Louisiana News

The City of Lake Charles has released its schedule of Partners in Parks events for the first quarter of 2024. These events, which are family-friendly, free, and open to the public, aim to provide quality programming that is both fun and educational for all ages.

The first event of the year will be the Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-off on January 6. From 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., individuals can drop off live Christmas trees, free of decorations and lights, at the Nelson Road/Alma Lane Recycling Station.

On January 13, the CHRISTUS Ochsner Health SWLA Community Health Fair will take place at Drew Park from 10 a.m. to noon. This event will offer health screenings, vital health information, and more.

Financial Literacy Fun with SWLA Credit Union will be held on January 20 at McMillan Park from 10 a.m. to noon. This event aims to teach the basics of finance in a fun and interactive way for the whole family.

The month will close out with the Gator Meet-n-Greet at the Gator Pond on January 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. Hosted by the City and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, this event invites participants to imagine the future of the Gator Pond.

In February, the city will celebrate Mardi Gras with a Mask Making Workshop at Historic City Hall and the Children's Mardi Gras Stroll. The Let's Go Fly a Kite event will also take place during this month, followed by Sasol's Nature in Focus series exploring Pollinators with a Purpose.

March will feature the debut of the Calcasieu Parish Public Library's Book it to the Park, a special Team Green Family Fun Day, the SWLA Yoga Fest, and a Lesson in Urban Ecology presented by the Region 5 STEM Center. The first quarter will come to a close with the Citywide Easter Egg Hunt in partnership with the Children's Miracle Network.

"We are thrilled to welcome a new year with a jam-packed slate of events for the first quarter," said Mayor Nic Hunter. "Our parks are a critical component of quality of life in the City of Lake Charles, and we will continue to develop programming through our Partners in Parks initiative that expands opportunities for citizens of all ages to enjoy these public spaces."

The Partners in Parks initiative, launched in July 2018, aims to improve park infrastructure and expand programming by combining private and public funds. To date, over $1.5 million has been raised for City parks without any additional taxation on local citizens.

Individuals interested in investing in City parks can do so online by visiting www.foundationswla.org.

All events are subject to change. For the latest schedule updates, residents can visit www.cityoflakecharles.com or follow www.facebook.com/LakeCharles/Louisiana.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.cityoflakecharles.com/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item&id=7426