By Richard Meek
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Youngsters in St. John the Baptist Parish might soon be playing on shiny new equipment while adults watch from a sparkling gazebo as part of a $2.5 million project scheduled to bring major improvements to all parish playgrounds.

Parish Council members approved the administration’s request this week to go out for bids on the project, which will include such amenities as gazebos, sidewalks, learning walls, picnic tables and fitness stations, depending on the facility. According to project plans, low spots will also be filled in, some soccer fields refurbished, basketball courts rebuilt and restrooms constructed.

“It is a comprehensive plan that includes improvements at all facilities,” Parish President Natalie Robottom said, adding the original plan was amended based on input from residents and stakeholders.

Unresolved, however, is what youngsters will be paying to participate in sports at some of the refurbished facilities. Councilman Larry Snyder had requested Robottom meet with some Council members to discuss lowering of the fees, which some believe are too high and discourage participation.

Robottom said fees are $45 per child per sport and include the cost of insurance, jerseys and caps.

She added in 2014 the total amount collected in basketball fees was $5,800 and $5,700 for baseball.

“Our focus should be on the affordability of kids being able to participate,” Snyder said.

Robottom said she is agreeable to meeting with Council members in a public setting to explore ways to reduce some of the fees and still provide certain services. She said some of the activities, such as young people attending New Orleans Pelicans games, zumba classes and transportation are free.

“It will be a good idea (to hold a public meeting,) but there are lot of details to go through,” Robottom said, adding at some point they might have to meet in private because “there is more to it than just costs.”