Sw Louisiana News

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Mayor Nic Hunter, other elected officials, and community leaders were joined by representatives from the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (NPS-RTCA) to officially open a newly installed kayak launch at Riverside Park (1701 Fitzenreiter Rd.).

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was part of a Gathering for Good event hosted by the Community Foundation Southwest Louisiana. Attendees also had the opportunity to attend an Open House to learn more about progress with the Just Imagine SWLA Bayou Greenbelt Catalytic Project.

The kayak launch at Riverside Park was included in LC REBOUND, a tax-neutral bond proposition passed by voters in November 2023. LC REBOUND will allow the City to invest in multiple key infrastructure and quality of life enhancements.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of one of the first LC REBOUND projects here at Riverside Park. This park, once Lake Charles’ best-kept secret, has seen a dramatic uptick in visits and popularity thanks to the City’s unique programming and investment,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “A scenic natural refuge in the heart of the City, Riverside Park is a jewel for the entire community. One of Lake Charles’ greatest assets is our waterways. Access to these waterways is a key quality of life component. This kayak launch will open the door for new experiences on the beautiful Calcasieu River and beyond.”

The kayak launch, which also serves as a launch for paddleboards, is now open for public use.

“This is an incredible addition not only for District A but for the entire City,” added District A City Councilman Ronnie Harvey. “Residents of our district have known for years that Riverside Park is a crown jewel and we are excited to see this reality understood in an even more prominent way. Riverside Park has so much to offer… bird watching along the trail, launching a boat or kayak for a waterway excursion, fishing, jogging, enjoying an event with friends or family, and so much more!”

The kayak launch at Riverside Park represents the completion of a key component of Just Imagine SWLA’s Bayou Greenbelt Project. The project proposes a 23-mile water loop around Lake Charles, with Riverside Park being a critical entry point. The concept, in part, is to better connect citizens to local waterways and promote flood mitigation.

“Through the Just Imagine SWLA process, we heard overwhelmingly from local residents how much they love our natural and cultural resources and wanted more access to them,” said Sara Judson, Community Foundation SWLA President and CEO. “Our partnership with the National Park Service has helped us identify ways to enhance our waterways, develop trails and offer other recreation amenities on public land. We are excited to see years of collaborative work coming together to make the vision of Bayou Greenbelt a reality.”

The National Park Service has been a critical partner in guiding locals through planning and development stages.

"The main elements of Bayou Greenbelt are trailheads (or gateways) and trails (or corridors) that will connect them to create a land- and water-based network around the City of Lake Charles,” explained Helen Tyson Siewers,NPS-RTCA Landscape Architect. “In 2021, during our early discussions about the vision for Bayou Greenbelt, we discussed the need for distinctive features at trailheads—a set of amenities that serve as a sort of billboard letting the public know they have arrived. As we explored the city on our first visit, we found that Riverside Park Complex on Fitzenreiter Road already has it all (almost). In Phase One of developing the park, the City of Lake Charles included all these features: a recognizable and distinctive trailhead; informative signage; durable materials; restrooms; a boat ramp; convenient parking; and pathways to extend and enhance water views. With today's dedicated launch site for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, Riverside Park will be even more inviting to those interested in paddling or fishing. I encourage folks to come explore the banks of Calcasieu River in Lake Charles."

Riverside Park's boat and kayak launch is open daily from dawn until dusk.

To learn more about LC REBOUND or Bayou Greenbelt projects visit their respective websites.

Citizens can keep up with City news through various channels including Instagram @lccityhall.