Sw Louisiana News

The City of Lake Charles has announced a comprehensive schedule of events for the first quarter of 2025 under its Partners in Parks initiative. The events are designed to be family-friendly, free, and open to the public unless otherwise specified.

The activities will kick off on January 4 with Team Green’s Second Annual Christmas Tree Recycling event at Alma Lane Recycling Center from 9 am to 2 pm. This will be followed by an outdoor skate night titled Winter Wonderland at the Lake Charles Event Center from 5 pm to 7 pm.

On January 11, the city will host Hometown Heroes Night in collaboration with McNeese State University. Attendees can view fleet vehicles and equipment from local emergency services between 2 pm and 4 pm while supporting the university's basketball teams.

January's events will continue with a Financial Literacy session led by SWLA Credit Union on January 18 at McMillan Park. The month concludes with Sasol’s Nature in Focus programming on January 25, featuring Scales and Tails – All Things Reptile at Riverside Park.

February begins with a scavenger hunt themed around Carmen Sandiego on February 1. Other highlights include Bayou Bash Gator Meet-N-Greet on February 8 and a Mardi Gras Craft Workshop on February 15. Another Sasol Nature in Focus event is scheduled for February 22, focusing on spring gardening.

March features several events starting with Children’s Mardi Gras Second Line Stroll on March 1. The Calcasieu Parish Public Library will debut its Book it to the Park program for this year on March 8 alongside Southland Conference’s Kid’s Dribble event. The month wraps up with star gazing at Region 5 STEM Center's Star Lab Experience on March 22 and Music in the Park Series beginning March 25.

Mayor Nic Hunter expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming year: “It is with great joy and excitement that we look forward to a new and exciting year of Partners in Parks programming.” He highlighted that since its launch in July of 2018, the initiative has brought over $1.7 million into city parks without additional taxation.

Residents interested in contributing financially can do so through www.foundationswla.org. Event schedules may change; updates are available at www.cityoflakecharles.com or their Facebook page.