Tag: Opelousas

Major Renovations are Coming to Opelousas Thanks to St. Landry Parish and DDD

According to this article from The Daily Advertiser, the charming Louisiana city of Opelousas is currently witnessing a remarkable transformation, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Downtown Development District (ODDD) and St. Landry Parish.

With several exciting initiatives in the pipeline, including the upcoming Chick-fil-A restaurant and the recent passing of the abandoned building ordinance, Opelousas is taking a significant step forward by undertaking major renovations at the Donald Gardner Stadium in South City Park. This ambitious endeavor is estimated to cost approximately $6.7 million in phase 1 alone.

To make this vision a reality, the Opelousas Downtown Development District board has agreed to contribute $4.7 million towards phase 1 of the project. The remaining funding will be sourced from the State of Louisiana, St. Landry Parish, and the City of Opelousas. The comprehensive master plan for South City Park encompasses the installation of new play structures, the creation of picturesque walking trails, the establishment of versatile event spaces, and significant improvements to the existing stadium facilities.

Lena Charles, the chairwoman of ODDD, expressed her enthusiasm for supporting the progress of Opelousas and St. Landry Parish. She emphasized the importance of the organization’s partnership with the city and its commitment to supporting its projects. Recognizing the needs of the community, Charles revealed that ODDD is also investing in infrastructure on Waillior to accommodate the upcoming Chick-fil-A establishment. Moreover, she highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to address crucial issues such as sewer and water systems. Charles firmly believes that these projects serve as valuable investments in the well-being of the city’s current and future citizens.

ODDD Chairwoman Lena Charles also said, “After months of planning and negation, we are excited to support the progress of Opelousas and St. Landry Parish by getting [this] transformation project moving. Our citizens and our young people who are the future citizens also have a major need as well, these projects are good investments and we are willing to step out and help.”

Opelousas is fueled by the desire to enhance its quality of life through infrastructure renovations and economic revitalization. As evidence of this commitment, the city and St. Landry Parish experienced record-high applications for new business permits throughout several months in 2023. Bill Rodier, the CEO of the St. Landry Parish Economic Development, emphasized the statistical evidence of this significant growth in residential, commercial, and related sectors. The collective efforts are driving positive change and ensuring a prosperous future for Opelousas and St. Landry Parish.

The South City Park renovations, particularly the transformation of the Donald Gardner Stadium, play a pivotal role in this overall vision. Rodier highlighted the immense impact that parks can have on both the quality of life and economic development of a community. By revitalizing South City Park, Opelousas aims to create a vibrant space that will attract visitors, provide recreational opportunities, and contribute to the economic growth of the area.

Phase 1 of the South Park renovations is anticipated to commence after the conclusion of the 2023 football season. This strategic timing allows for a smooth transition and minimizes disruptions to the regular activities held at the stadium. As the plans unfold, Opelousas residents and visitors can look forward to a revitalized South City Park that showcases the city’s dedication to progress and community well-being.

In conclusion, Opelousas is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the collaborative efforts of the Downtown Development District and St. Landry Parish. Through major renovations at the Donald Gardner Stadium in South City Park, the city aims to improve its infrastructure, enhance the quality of life for its residents, and create an environment conducive to economic growth. The ongoing projects, including the upcoming Chick-fil-A establishment., signify Opelousas’ commitment to progress and its determination to pave the way for a prosperous future.

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50-year-old Opelousas Time Capsule Opened

Opelousas city officials took a glance into their history this summer as they opened a not-forgotten time capsule buried 50 years ago in front of what is now the Police Department, reports an article by BRProud.com.

On June 14, 1970 in front of what was once the Opelousas City Hall on Court Street, the time capsule was buried by the 250th anniversary committee, and 50 years later, it was opened by Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor, City Council Members, and relatives of members of the 250th committee.

According to a press release from the city, the 1970 time capsules’s contents included a letter from the chairman of the time capsule committee, a letter from former Opelousas Mayor Wilfred Cortez, a key to the city, a letter and badge from former Sheriff Adler Ledoux, letters from various civic organizations and a package from the Chamber of Commerce containing a tour guide.

Despite many of the contents appearing to have some sort of water damage, there were many letters and artifacts still salvageable. Former Mayor Wilfred Cortez placed a key to the city that sat alongside  a badge from former Sheriff Adler Ledoux.

The City of Opelousas plans to work with preservation-related agencies in hopes of restoring some of the damaged memorabilia so that the items can be placed at the Opelousas Public Library for the town’s viewing, as was the capsule’s original intention. In order to celebrate the city’s 300th anniversary, another time capsule is scheduled to be buried later this year.

At the same event, officials took time to unveil a community mural for the city’s anniversary, titled “Tree of Life.” The mural features icons and symbols representing the city’s culture and heritage intertwined with an oak tree’s branches and roots. The project’s artist, Jerome Ford is a local accomplished artist and an instructor for St. Landry Parish School Board Talented & Visual Arts Program.

The mural was composed by having the design printed on six individual canvases, creating one large piece of artwork. Through a series of pop-up community panting events, approximately 100 people from the city helped to paint the mural, which was supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts.

In an interview conducted by KATC, Mayor Julius Alsandor said of the event, “History is our present. Our present will be our future.” Alsandor commented on the close-knit community at the unveiling by remarking that everyone “came together at a time when all of us need to be together.”

Also in attendance at this historic Opelousas event were residents Dr. Lucius Doucet, Gerald Emon, Sonny Ray and Becky Faul Diesi, who were part of the 250th time capsule burial fifty years ago.  Marceline Cortez Hrachovy, daughter of former Mayor of Opelousas Wilfred Cortez, shared a few remarks about the letter her father had placed in the time capsule.

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