The city of Opelousas, and DDD helps fund major renovations

Jakori Madison, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
·2 min read

The city of Opelousas continues to improve its infrastructure and create economic change with the help of the Downtown Development District, and the St. Landry Parish.

Along with plans to open a Chick-fi-la and the passing of the abandoned building ordinance, the Donald Gardner Stadium at South City Park secured a vote to undergo major renovations which is estimated to cost roughly $6.7 million dollars in phase 1 of the development.

The Opelousas downtown development district board voted to cover 4.7 million dollars of the total for phase 1, with the remaining funding projected to come from the State of Louisiana, St. Landry Parish, and the City of Opelousas. According to a release, the master plan for South City Park includes new play structures, walking trails, event spaces, and major improvements to the existing stadium facilities.

The city of Opelousas continues to undergo major renovations
The city of Opelousas continues to undergo major renovations

"After months of planning and negation, we are excited to support the progress of Opelousas and St. Landry Parish by getting transformation project moving" said Lena Charles, ODDD chairwoman.

Charles added, the ODDD is also doing infrastructure on Waillior to support the chick-fi-la that is coming to the area. "Understanding our relationship with the city of Opelousas, as a major partner and supporting their projects is important. The city is currently even working on major moves to adjust the sewer and water. 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."

Raising the quality of life through infrastructure renovations and economic changes are the driving forces for the continuous growth of Opelousas. Multiple months throughout 2023, Opelousas and St. Landry Parish showed the highest applications for new business permanents in history according to Bill Rodier, CEO of the St. Landry Parish economic development.

"The statistical evidence is there that we are experiencing a significant amount of growth in residential, commercial, and other related growth in St. Landry Parish"

Along with many other redevelopments, the South City Park renovations at Donald Gardener Stadium are set to support the transformation of Opelousas and St. Landry Parish. "Parks can have huge impacts on quality of life and economic development, and this is our opportunity to make that happen here,” said Rodier.

Phase 1 of the South Park renovations will ideally begin after the 2023 football season.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: The city of Opelousas continues to improve infrastructure and create economic change