Sw Louisiana News

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter expressed his gratitude for the reopening of the back trails of Tuten Park in a recent announcement. He acknowledged the efforts of volunteers and the support from Sasol, stating, “We are excited to again welcome our community to the park’s back trails and nature sanctuary! We are incredibly thankful for Sasol, our Partner in Parks collaborator at both Tuten and Riverside Parks.”

Eric Walker, Sasol's vice president of operations, highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and public-private partnerships, saying, "Our hope is that Lake Charles residents enjoy Tuten Park for decades to come."

The restoration efforts at Tuten Park included clearing downed trees, reshaping water paths for better drainage, and replanting native trees. Sasol employee volunteers played a significant role in these efforts, planting 550 trees as part of their 1,000 Trees in 1,000 Days initiative. An additional 500 trees are planned to be planted in the future.

The entire restoration project of the back trails was made possible through grants from Sasol, totaling $183,000. The park is now open daily from dawn to dusk, welcoming visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and wildlife.

Looking ahead, the City of Lake Charles is set to collaborate with Sasol for the Partners in Parks Nature in Focus event on Saturday, May 25, at Tuten Park. The event will focus on birds and also feature a special edition of Art in the Park.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest news and events in the City of Lake Charles by visiting their website.