Caddo Parks 2023 End of Year Report

2023 END OF YEAR REPORT

New Playground Area Noah Tyson Park

Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation

PARKS AND RECREATION

Message from the Director

Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to present our 2023 End of Year Final Report.

This report highlights accomplishments of our department programs, services, capital park improvements and staff. 2023 was another exciting and productive year! Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department reached 71,000+ citizens and visitors through programming efforts, while improving and maintaining the health and wellness of Caddo Parish communities.

In this profession, you are only good as the people that work around you, therefore, I would like to thank the entire parks department staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication in providing quality of life Patrick Wesley, Director leisure services to the citizens of Caddo Parish. Also, a special thanks to our official partners, sponsors and community hubs for your invaluable contributions to our department.

The Department just completed a Comprehensive Masterplan (through 2035) to give staff and Caddo Parish citizens a snapshot of how they would like to see their park system in the future. A Strategic Plan (2024 -2028) was also completed this year to give staff strategic priorities, goals and objectives that will surely strengthen our services to the citizens of Caddo Parish and respective visitors.

The department is striving to reach excellence in 2024 and become a part of an elite group of park and recreation agencies across the country to have earned national accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association. CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for Park and Recreation agencies, and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management, and services to the community.

We look forward to celebrating the success of 2023 as we transition into a new year. We encourage you to visit Caddo Parish parks, trails and greenspaces. The Benefits are Endless!

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Parks & Recreation Department

Art Mural Robert G. Lawton, Jr. Playground

4 CPPR by the Numbers

Table of Contents

6 2023 Major Accomplishments 7 Capital Projects 9 Education and Crime Prevention 10 Parks Administration 12 Nature 14 Athletics 17 MOU Agreements and Partnerships 17 Special Events, Health and Wellness 18 Conservation, Shreveport Green & ShreveCorps 20 Staff Major Accomplishments 22 Goals For 2024 26 Five Year Challenges

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2023 End of Year Report

CPPR by the NUMBERS

14

park sites

30

miles of trail for hiking, biking, equestrian use

y14 Park Sites y2 Historic Monuments

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y1,100 Acres Of Green Space y28 Miles Of Trail For Hiking, Biking, Equestrian Use y10 Playgrounds

1,076

nature center with live animal exhibits

acres of public green space

y5 Basketball Courts And 3 Athletic Fields y5 Boat Launches y3 Fishing Piers y2 Cornhole Courts y1 Disc Golf Course

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3

fishing piers

Parks & Recreation Department

10

play grounds

5

boat launches

5

basketball courts

5

3

athletic fields

2

historic monuments

2023 End of Year Report

PARKS

Creating and Improving Quality of Life Spaces Where People Want to Be...

Greenbrook Park

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Parks & Recreation Department

CAPITAL PROJECTS - Major Accomplishments Bessie Smith Park

Eddie D. Jones Park

Installed new shade structure over existing playground system. Completed new mural art placement. Installed new walking distance signage for walking trail users.

Replaced main picnic pavilion metal roof, painted visitors center, completed drainage repairs along flower bed/visitors center building, completed new cornhole court, installed new shade structure for cornhole court, installed new playground system, borders and safety surfacing and installed new turf play mounds. Removed downed trees and debris from trails from the summer storm, completed preliminary design and site plan for new 19-hole disc golf course.

Park trail maintenance ongoing year-round.

412 East Olive Street, Shreveport

Black Bayou Watershed Project Robert Nance Park 14770 Odom Road, Rodessa

Repaired seawall, addressed erosion problems and completed pier repairs. Installed new safety bollards throughout park.

Caddo Lake-Channel Markers Replaced and/or repaired all broken or missing channel markers, poles and reflectors on Louisiana Caddo Lake side.

Earl G. Williamson Park 11425 LA 1, Oil City

Completed renovations of park restrooms.

Made softball field fencing improvements, installed new dug outs, spectator bleachers, cornhole court and installed new shade structure system over cornhole court. Repaired boat launch ramp grouted holes, removed silt, etc. Completed development of a 9-hole disc golf course. Installed new trash can receptacles via Keep Louisiana Beautiful Trash Receptacle Grant award.

Earl G. Williamson Park | Boom or Burst Scenic Viewing Area Project DOTD awarded contract. Construction to begin early Spring 2024. Construction to be completed by July 2024.

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8400 Mike Clark Road, Keithville

Greenbrook Park

8717 South Emerald Loop, Shreveport Resurfaced/widened existing asphalt walking trail, installed 1 new playground shade structure, new playground mulch surfacing, installed 1 new full-size basketball court, repaired small kid court surface and new court lines, installed 4 new basketball goals, color painted all basketball courts, installed new picnic tables and park benches. Parks department facilitated park drainage improvements via repairing drain boxes backfilling sink holes on park grounds, concrete repairs in parking lot, lighting improvements, play mounds, painted 2 basketball courts and extended fencing along adjacent residential property lines. Added new rock landscaping around Greenbrook Park Subdivision-directional sign, installed new flag pole and flag at front entrance of park, purchased and

2023 End of Year Report

installed new play mounds, replaced burned/vandalized play mounds with new mounds. Shreveport Green installed 7 raised beds and started official community garden activities at park site.

Hannah’s Park

225 Oak Grove Lane, Shreveport Installed new shade structure over playground system, wood mulch safety surfacing and ADA ramp. Installed new picnic pavilion, basketball court goals/ fiberglass backboards and color painted basketball court.

Keithville Community Park 1201 Mansfield Rd., Keithville

Installed new wood mulch safety surfacing to playground system, installed new picnic tables and park benches.

Noah Tyson Park

9300 Mira Myrtis Rd., Rodessa Installed new playground system, borders, safety surfacing and ADA ramps.

Painted large picnic shelter. Installed new picnic tables, park benches and outdoor grills. Repaired wooden fishing pier.

Parks and Recreation Office Renovations

2900 Hearne Ave., Shreveport Completed interior painting, installed new landscaping and irrigation outside of office.

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PBS Pinchback Park

7903 Jefferson Paige Rd. Installed new playground system, borders, wood mulch safety surfacing, ADA ramp, and color painted all basketball courts. Restroom renovations project bid awarded, expected construction completion date is April 2024.

Robert G. Lawton, Jr. Playground

Rolling Ridge Subdivision, Greenwood Installed new picnic tables, park benches, outdoor grills, new fencing/safety bollards around park grounds, new park rule signs and a new mural art placements.

Town of Greenwood Installed new playground wood mulch surfacing, 4 new picnic tables, 3 park benches and painted existing playground equipment/bathroom doors.

Town of Vivian Installed new ballfield fencing for youth baseball/softball fields.

Village of Ida Installed new playground system, borders and playground safety surfacing.

Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park New Construction Project Groundbreaking held on Wednesday, August 30th.

Parks & Recreation Department

Ecology Lesson - Wild Child Summer Camp Earl G. Williamson Park

EDUCATION & CRIME PREVENTION Facilitated 62 Safe Summer Programs on behalf of Caddo Parish Received the 2023 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for “Takin It To The Streets” program, a mobile health and fitness program designed to promote physical, wellness, and community unity in inner-city neighborhoods and rural communities where there are play deserts with limited access to recreational opportunities 9

2023 End of Year Report

PARKS ADMINISTRATION Completed and submitted Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) self-assessment report

Held groundbreaking for new Caddo Parish Premier Park Baseball and Softball Complex (Parish of Caddo secured official naming rights)

Completed Parks Comprehensive Master and Strategic Plan

Partnered with University of New Orleans Transportation Institute and Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism to update Louisiana Statewide Trails and Recreation Inventory and Mapping

Completed Department Policy and Procedure Manual Completed Department Recreation Programming Plan Completed Department Communications Plan Completed marketing analysis for the future Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Center and Event Center Completed feasibility study for Pickleball Park in Caddo Parish Hired new Assistant Director-Parks and Recreation Department (Cattina Williams) Hired consultant (SJB Group, LLC) to develop a comprehensive trail maintenance and improvement plan for the Caddo Parish Park system

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Awarded $50,000 from the Major League Baseball-Youth Development Foundation. Seed funding for new synthetic grass baseball infield surface at PBS Pinchback Park Awarded $3,050 via Keep Louisiana Beautiful-2023 Beautification Grant. For purchase/ installment of new trash receptacles, landscaping and signage at Earl G. Williamson Park Park re-openings at Greenbrook Park, Robert G. Lawton Park and Bessie D. Smith Park

Parks & Recreation Department

Groundbreaking Ceremony Caddo Parish Premier Park Baseball and Softball Complex

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2023 End of Year Report

Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes 12

Parks & Recreation Department

NATURE Hosted successful 18th Annual Owl Night for approximately 1500 visitors at Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park

Facilitated 21 educational nature programs for residents of area assisted living facilities

Facilitated Family Adventure Day at Richard Fleming Park providing gear and instruction to 90 participants in archery, canoeing, and fishing

Visited 17 branches of Shreve Memorial Library to provide presentations for the annual Summer Reading Program

Partnered with Volunteers of Hosted the Annual Fairy Houses America: The Lighthouse after& Gnome Homes event with school program, to provide eduapproximately 450 visitors and 50 cational nature programs at 6 volunteers local schools

Hosted and facilitated 6 weeks of Wild Child Summer Camp for 115 campers Hosted annual Art in the Park event, featuring 45 local artists and 3 bands, at Richard Fleming Park, 400 visitors Hosted in conjunction with Shreveport Regional Arts Council, Shreveport Common the Inaugural Hoots, Hoops, Horns, & Hops in Caddo Common Park

Led 6 Junior Naturalists Programs and certified 4 new Junior Naturalists Facilitated monthly Introduction to Acrylic Painting Workshops for 254 participants Organized clean-up event at Milton James "Hookie" Cameron Memorial Park as part of annual Keep Louisiana Beautiful: Love the Boot campaign

Hosted annual Nature Ornament Workshop at the American Visited 46 locals schools to presRose Center for 75 participants ent educational nature programs

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2023 End of Year Report

ATHLETICS Hosted Caddo Parish 318 Takeover Youth Football Camp at Independence Stadium, featuring 17 professional (current and retired) football players, 1,510 participants Hosted Caddo Parish Parks/Centenary College Youth Football Camp at Centenary College, 115 participants Served as title sponsor of 2023 Caddo Parish Middle School Basketball Championships at Centenary Gold Dome, 2,500 participants

318 Takeover Youth Football Camp

Hosted Caddo Parish Devin Meyer’s Jr. NBA Challenge at Huntington High School gymnasium, 150 participants Hosted Inaugural all-girls youth basketball camp “Girl You Got It” at LSU-Shreveport gymnasium, featuring guest instructor, Shantel Hardison, former WNBA Indiana Fever player, 80 participants Hosted 2nd Annual Robert Williams Youth Basketball Camp at LSU-Shreveport gymnasium, featuring Robert Williams III of the Boston Celtics, 150 participants Hosted Caddo Parish Youth Basketball Camp at LSU-Shreveport gymnasium, 210 participants Robert Williams Youth Basketball Camp 14

Parks & Recreation Department

Centenary Youth Basketball Camp

Served as title sponsor of the 2023 Caddo Parish Middle School Track & Field Championships at Lee Hedges Stadium, 400 participants Served as title sponsor of the 2023 Caddo Parish Middle School Girls’ Softball Championship game at Captain Shreve High School Softball Field, 105 participants Served as title sponsor of the 2023 Caddo Parish Middle School Football Championship game at BTW High School Football Stadium, 455 participants Hosted Caddo Parish Skills and Drills Youth Baseball Clinic, with Special Guest Breon Dennis (Frisco RoughRiders) at Captain Shreve High School, 118 participants

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Partnered with Major League Baseball Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program and Captain Shreve High School Baseball team to host the 2023 Pitch Hit & Run/Jr. Home Run Derby at Captain Shreve, 102 participants Implemented and facilitated Caddo Parish Parks T Ball/Coach Pitch League to include 16 teams, 270 participants Local youth participant, Chandler Frierson, qualified and accepted invitation to attend the Texas Rangers Team Championships at Global Life Field in Arlington, Texas on September 9, 2023.

Facilitated Caddo Parish Head Start T-Ball League at Balistine Hopkins Head Start Center, 12 teams, 1,349 participants 2023 End of Year Report

Hosted Caddo Head Start T-Ball Clinic at Galilee Baptist Church, 225 participants Hosted Caddo Parish T-Ball/Coach Pitch Clinic at Galilee Baptist Church, 125 participants Partnered with Galilee Baptist Church to host Chair Aerobic classes and wellness education activities for seniors, 100+ participants Hosted Youth Lacrosse Clinic at Shreveport Indoor Soccer Complex. Partnered with Red River Youth Lacrosse Association, 50 participants Headstart T-Ball Clinic

Hosted 4 Youth Soccer Skills and Drills Clinics throughout Caddo Parish. Partnered with CABOSA and North Caddo Soccer coaching staff, 175 participants Partnered with Soccer Shots to host Tiny Tots Soccer clinic at Shreveport Soccer Complex, 65 participants Partnered with AcroSports of Shreveport to host Tiny Tots Tumbling/Gymnastics Clinic, 55 participants Hosted 2023 Fitness in the Park at P.B.S Pinchback Park. Partnered with YMCA, Camp Gladiator, SB Steppers, and Unique Body Studio, 46 participants

Tiny Tots Soccer 16

Partnered with Shreveport Bossier Disc Golf Union to host a Disc Golf Clinic for youth and adults at Ford Park Disc Golf Course.

Parks & Recreation Department

MOU

AGREEMENTS & PARTNERSHIPS AcroSports American Rose Center Caddo Parish District Attorney Office Holy Angels Louisiana State University of Shreveport Athletic Department Methodist Foster Care Metropolitan Circles, LLC Raising Cane’s Red River Youth Lacrosse Association Red River National Wildlife Refuge Shreveport-Bossier Disc Golf Union Shreveport Indoor Soccer Shreve Memorial Library Soccer Shots Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation of Louisiana (WERLA), Inc. Volunteers of America LightHouse Programs 17

Special Events, Recreation, Health and Wellness Hosted Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Senior’s Day in the Park at Richard Fleming Park, 150 participants Hosted and facilitated the 2nd Annual “Takin’ It To The Streets" a mobile health and fitness program designed to promote physical, wellness, and community unity in innercity neighborhoods and rural communities in 11 rural area towns and villages, 1500+ participants Hosted and facilitated 4 Senior Citizen's Health and Wellness Fairs, in conjunction with Healthy Blue Established and hosted Summer Teen Chess Clinics at Shreve Memorial Libraries (Broadmoor and Wallette)

2023 End of Year Report

CONSERVATION, SHREVEPORT GREEN & SHREVECORPS

MLK Community Garden 18

Parks & Recreation Department

ShreveCorps, an AmeriCorps program administered, by Shreveport Green, completed 1,806 hours of community service during the spring term and an additional 2,494 hours over the summer for a total of 4,300 hours Repaired and revitalized Caddo Parish parks and trails: 234 hours of service Maintained the MLK Community Garden: 357 hours of service Facilitated six Household Hazardous Waste Collections: 112 hours of service Construct and maintain Urban Farm in downtown Shreveport: 459 hours of service

table production. The park also contains a variety of fruit trees consisting of pear, peach, apple, and plum trees. Five picnic benches and a pavilion were added. A 2700-gallon water tank for rainwater harvesting and automated irrigation has been installed.

Created community garden at newly renovated Greenbrook Park consisting of seven raised beds. Neighborhood residents have already been able to harvest and have inquired about adding fruit trees Added mulch to Keithville Community Park playground Clear stormed debris at Eddie D. Jones Park

Filled low areas at Bessie Build and maintain community Smith Park gardens, distribute the harvest to local low-income families, Secured grant funding from and educate children from Keep Louisiana Beautiful for these families about healthy new trash receptacles for Earl G. eating and growing their own Williamson Park food: 4,300 hours of service Secured grant funding from Managed and expanded the Keep Louisiana Beautiful for MLK Community Garden. The installation of native plant garcommunity garden is outlined den and new signage on LA with a beautiful white fence and Highway 1 for Earl G. Williamson currently consists of thirty-two Park raised beds for seasonal vege-

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2023 End of Year Report

STAFF

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS Recreation Coordinator, Cattina Williams, promoted to Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation

guished Interpretive Manager award from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI)

Education Coordinator, Stacy Gray, earned a Certified Park and Recreation Professional credential from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

Park Manager, Rusty Scarborough, served as the Louisiana Chair for Region VI (South Central) National Association for Interpretation

Education Coordinator, Stacy Gray, served on the Shreveport-Bossier Attraction Association Board of Directors

Park Naturalist, Hulya Onel, served as the State Board Member of Louisiana Master Naturalists Association

The following staff members received National Archery in Athletic Coordinator, Mary the Schools Program (NASP) Murphy, served as Vice PresiBasic Archery Instructor Certident of Johnnie Cochran Head fications: Start Committee and served Assistant Director, on the Policy Council Board Cattina Williams for Caddo Community Action Naturalist, Joe Drane Agency.

Summer Intern, Devon Salvatarra Athletic Coordinator, Mary Murphy, completed the National Alliance for Youth Sports Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training

Park Manager, Rusty Scarborough, received the Distin20

All department staff completed online Ethics and Sexual Harassment training as required by the State of Louisiana Parks & Recreation Department

Archery Lesson Summer Intern, Devon Salvatarra

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2023 End of Year Report

GOALS FOR 2024 Obtain national accreditation via the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies.

Complete and submit evidence of compliance of 100% of fundamental and non-fundamental standards via The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

tem to support community livability as Caddo Parish grows.

Prepare for CAPRA accreditation team visit (early spring).

Address deferred maintenance projects and improve facility conditions by implementing an asset replacement plan.

Ensure CAPRA accreditation approval (October).

Diversify sports and play experiences across the Parish.

Provide accessible and inclusive parks and facilities to support community interests and recreation needs.

Ensure that Caddo Parish parks, recreation, and natural areas are accessible to people of varying abilities.

Continue to provide access to park system natural areas, trails and greenways for Caddo Parish citizens and visitors.

Continue to maintain the Parish s existing level of service for park sys22

Increase awareness of the values and benefits that parks bring to the community.

Conserve and restore natural areas, promote ecological functions, and connect Caddo Parish residents/visitors to nature and the outdoors.

Parks & Recreation Department

Family Adventure Day Richard Fleming Park

Identify and protect Caddo Parish natural resources.

ation opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, cultures, and interests.

Maintain and steward natural resources in park system.

Provide recreation and leisure service programs to respond to community needs.

Become a leader in conservation efforts for the region Expand opportunities to experience nature in Caddo Parish.

Improve and expand educational programs at Walter B. Jacobs and use as a model for other parks.

Continue to provide sport programs and leagues to support health and fitness.

Continue to provide unique events, social gatherings, and celebrations to foster community cohesiveness and strengthen community spirit.

Promote nature education programs Strategically increase outdoor and to increase awareness. Make communature programming. nity aware of programs and services.

Provide and promote arts and cul Activate parks and facilities through tural programs/events. vibrant programs, events, and recre-

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2023 End of Year Report

Strengthen and diversify enrichment and learning programs.

Promote new and existing partnerships to expand opportunities and support funding for facilities.

Increase community awareness of programs, events, and opportunities.

Manage and maintain quality parks, facilities, and programs through outstanding customer service, stewardship, and sustainable practices.

Shreveport Green

Maintain and operate parks effectively to support quality use.

Ensure that routine and preventative maintenance services are adequately funded in park system to ensure park safety, make parks more attractive, provide a quality user experience, and avoid a park maintenance backlog.

Ensure design and development guidelines are in place to guide park and facility maintenance, management, renovation, and development.

Nature Education Outreach Program

Update park and trail design and development guidelines.

Be fiscally and financially prudent in funding capital improvements for park and recreation needs.

Middle School Girl’s Basketball Championship 24

Parks & Recreation Department

Wild Child Summer Camp

Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes

Coordinate with Parish Administration/Commissioners to identify and potentially expand the Department s resources to support park improvements and facilities, recreation/leisure services, and public arts.

Review and revise the Department s fees and charges philosophy/cost recovery expectations and update regularly.

Ensure the provision of high quality, responsive customer service.

Continue to provide high-quality services and support friendly, welcoming, and inclusive recreation environments.

Improve and assess locations to add comfort amenities, such as trash receptacles, restrooms, shade, picnic tables, barbecue grills, drinking fountains, park 25

Owl Night

lighting, benches, etc.

Continue close coordination with Caddo Parish Sheriff Department and Shreveport Police Department to patrol parks and connect residents to options for addressing park safety concerns.

2023 End of Year Report

5 YEAR CHALLENGES Inclusion: Ensuring everyone has access to the benefits of the Caddo Parish Parks system (facilities, programs, and spaces); including individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.

No WiFi or Broadband Availability in Caddo Parish Parks: Due to no broadband infrastructure and/or WiFi service in Caddo Parish parks/campgrounds; Park visitors cannot connect to the internet from laptop, smartphone, and other mobile devices.

Staying Relevant (Parks, Facilities, and Programming): How will Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation connect with the general public and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates?

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Parks & Recreation Department

Pavillion Noah Tyson Park 27

2023 End of Year Report