Town Of Abita Springs

I would like to take this opportunity to give you an update on the park and address some concerns that have recently developed.

First, I would like to thank the “Friends of the Park” organization and the scores of volunteers that helped create our wonderful playground. When given the opportunity I tell people how blessed I am to be Mayor of a town where it’s residents care and are so passionate about their community. I also want to recognize and thank the many people outside our community that have volunteered their time not only to the playground but the museum as well. I want to thank the Ladies Progressive Club’s donation of the archway to the Trailhead/Park and McMath Construction for the brick columns.

I am happy to announce that the water feature in the park is near completion. This will be an exciting, and I believe popular, addition to the Trailhead/Park. However, once the water feature comes on line an unfortunate consequence will be that vehicular traffic will be restricted inside the park. There will be access for emergency vehicles or events but otherwise vehicles will not be allowed in the park. I understand that parking and access is a concern, but I believe these issues are being addressed. In the past year approximately fifty (50) new parking spaces have been added with more being planned in the near future. There will be approximately twenty (20) parking spaces dedicated to the Trailhead/Park on Main & Holly Street.

When the master plan for the Trailhead and Park was developed by the Park Committee there was an understanding by all those involved that the park was going to undergo a substantial change. A change for the better. A pedestrian and family friendly environment was envisioned and is now coming to fruition. The current parking lot inside the park will become green space. This addition along with the playground and water feature and the future amphitheater where the pavilion was once located will make our park and trailhead the envy of the parish. There will also be walking trails in the future.

It is also important that we provide a safe environment for our children. That is why it is necessary to eliminate vehicular access inside the park. Safety for our children outweighs convenience for parking.

I would also like to address a concern in regards to access to the water. It has been a tradition in Abita Springs to provide free water to those outside Abita. Most people get their water from the Lion Head Fountain in the park. The water will still be available in the park but the town plans to put another water source at the “little gazebo” by the traffic circle for easier access.

Once again I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the people involved in making our trailhead and park such a success.

Respectfully,

Louis Fitzmorris
Mayor

This entry was posted on Friday, July 25th, 2008 at 11:21 am and is filed under Town News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.