The planned new park on Veteran Drive will be designed for easy access and feature facilities especially aimed at elderly and mobility-impaired Breaux Bridge residents.
Plans for the new facility, located at the site of the old swimming pool, were discussed at the April 10 city council meeting. Council members expressed a desire to enlist the help of experts to ensure that the best practices for access as well as proper planning for future improvements are encompassed in the design.
So far, plans for the park include a soft-surface walking track with exercise stations designed for seniors. Also, there will be playground equipment especially designed for children with disabilities.
Representatives and advocates for the mobility-limited were on hand to encourage the effort and express their approval of the concept. Payne Guidry, representing the social services organization Families Helping Families, said “Just knowing my community is doing this is a wonderful thing.”
Bridge Name
In other business, the council decided to reconsider the decision to rename the bridge for Gary “Bimmie” Champagne, citing public feedback against an actual renaming on purely historical grounds. The council approved the placement of a plaque in Champagne’s honor in front of the tourism office beside the bridge.
The council approved the appointment of Edward LeBlanc to fill Champagne’s District E seat on the council. The seat had been offered to Champagne’s widow, Ellen, but she declined the appointment.
Also, the council agreed to consider a new ordinance requiring that trash bins be removed from the roadside within 24 hours of trash pick-up. Legal advisor Bart Hebert was asked to write a resolution for consideration next month.
Finally, an Ethics Board investigation initiated in November, 2017 has found no wrongdoing on the part of two city employees. The investigation followed allegations in an anonymous letter received by another city employee.
The allegations were investigated by Chester Cedars, former assistant district attorney. On April 3, Cedars issued a letter finding the accusations to be without merit.
