Breck announces multimillion-dollar parks plan for Baker, including proposed multi-field ballpark and Highway 19 safety work

Breck and local officials used a June 10 press conference in Baker to unveil a package of parks and recreation projects that organizers said will spur local investment, improve safety and expand recreational options for youth.

Tia Edwards, director of partnerships and development for Breck, opened the event and said the company is "really excited about our opportunity to expand our services and our amenities in the Baker area." She introduced municipal and parish leaders who described the projects as long-awaited investments following the 2016 flood recovery work.

Mayor Weights framed the announcement around "return on investment," saying the parish and partners "have invested millions of dollars over the last 10 years" and that the new projects are intended to keep youth in local programs and stimulate economic development across North Baton Rouge.

The centerpiece, presented by Angela Harms, director of planning and engineering, is a proposed Baker Ballpark. Harms described three concept options — a configuration focused on high-school fields, a two-softball-field option and a larger four-field complex — and listed amenities that would include synthetic turf playing surfaces, practice areas, batting cages, concessions, restrooms, warm-up areas and new parking. "Finishing design work for Baker Ball Fields this year, getting that under construction next year," she said, giving a rough timetable for the anchor project.

Harms also outlined upgrades to smaller neighborhood parks such as South Magnolia and the Harding Street ball field, noting the project team is considering walking loops, improved playgrounds, upgraded courts (or pickleball), and additional sports fields based on public and stakeholder input.

At Greenwood Community Park, Harms said the Louisiana watershed initiative will support a lake expansion that includes a new island intended for kayaking and canoeing, as well as a waterfront building for equipment rentals and small food service. She told the audience that the Department of Transportation has approved moving forward with design work on turn lanes at the Highway 19 intersection serving Greenwood and that construction is expected to start imminently and finish "before the end of the year," a move officials said will improve safety and access.

Harms described an entrance road extension from Ley Lane to reduce circulation issues at Greenwood and enable future phases such as new soccer fields, restrooms and concessions. She proposed repurposing the old Dumis golf course area for cross-country trails and emphasized corridor improvements from I-110 into Baker, including off‑street bike and pedestrian lanes and better DOT wayfinding to direct visitors to assets like the zoo and Greenwood Park.

An attendee identified during remarks as a coach suggested establishing a transit center on Plank Road to serve weekend zoo traffic, with shuttle service into the park. The coach said the goal would be "about 300 to 400 parking areas" to absorb weekend demand; presenters characterized that suggestion as an operational concept rather than a funded commitment.

Councilman Anthony B. Kenny (District 2) and Mayor-President Sid Edwards praised the plan as evidence North Baton Rouge "is not forgotten," saying the investments will have regional benefits and a ripple effect for nearby communities.

The presentation concluded with a brief question period and organizers said they will return to the public for input on specific park designs and programming. No formal votes or legislative actions were recorded at the event.

Next steps: design completion for several projects is expected this year with construction slated to follow next year for key items, officials said. Breck and parish staff indicated they will continue public engagement as they finalize designs and construction schedules.