Baker officials outline multi‑year parks plan with tournament ball fields, corridor upgrades and Greenwood improvements

Janet Simmons, who identified herself as interim superintendent of "Breck," and other city and parish recreation officials presented a multi‑year parks strategy in Baker on Wednesday evening that aims to upgrade access, add tournament‑level athletic fields and modernize recreation facilities.

The presentation laid out two ball‑field concepts for the Jefferson Street/Baker Park site: one would install two high‑school regulation synthetic turf fields plus two practice turf fields, new parking and expanded overflow; the alternative would build one regulation field, two smaller softball fields on turf and keep one practice field as natural grass. Project staff said both designs include concessions and restrooms and are intended to support year‑round tournament play.

"When you put a ball complex in there, hotels, restaurants follow — that's the purpose of the ball fields to make sure that we can create commerce coming into the city," a speaker identified in the meeting as the mayor said, arguing the fields could attract visitors and spur local economic activity.

Officials also described a corridor/entryway initiative for Highway 19 and the I‑10 exit into Baker that would improve signage, clean up the frontage and add eye‑catching elements — including potential public art — to draw travelers toward local parks and businesses. Presenters said they are coordinating with the Department of Transportation on signage and roadside maintenance.

South Magnolia Park was presented as a separate project with an associated public survey; attendees were invited to use iPads at the meeting to indicate preferences for playground equipment, courts (basketball, tennis), or other amenities. Presenters said they aim to put the South Magnolia project out to bid by the end of the year with construction starting in early 2027.

At Greenwood Park, officials said they have a watershed grant to dredge the lake, add a new island for recreational kayaking, reopen the waterfront building and install nature trails. Greenwood improvements also include dedicated turn lanes and a new entry road (referred to as Lady Lane) to improve traffic flow for high‑use events; officials said construction activity for some Greenwood items is expected later this year.

The meeting also introduced a parish‑wide rec‑center transition plan to inventory facilities, prioritize air conditioning and modernize community rooms. Presenters said Baker’s rec center already has newer HVAC and will help inform upgrades at other centers in the parish.

Organizers closed by asking residents to complete on‑site surveys and offer feedback at display boards. No formal votes or funding approvals were made at the meeting; presenters characterized the proposals as plans and options that will continue to be refined with public input.

The parish and city will next collect survey responses and incorporate community feedback into final designs and timelines, with bidding and phased construction discussed for late 2026 into 2027.