EDGARD — Senior citizens in Edgard can look forward to a new larger facility to enjoy within 12 months.

The contract for the new West Bank Senior Center was recently awarded to LA Contracting Enterprises of Thibodaux for $649,631.24, meaning a new building is on its way.

St. John the Baptist Parish capital projects Administrator Daron Cooper said the administration and LA Contracting Enterprises are working together to set up a meeting to discuss when construction can begin.

“Hopefully by August we can start construction,” Cooper said. “Construction time will be determined in the meeting. I would say on a project this size it will take at least 10 months, weather permitting.”

St. John has partnered with LA Contracting Enterprises before, Cooper said, adding they did the renovations for the parks as well as helped with drainage.

The new facility, Cooper said, will be located at the Westbank Recreational Complex located at 3445 Louisiana 18 in Edgard.

“It’s going to be built from the ground up, it’s going to be a total brand new facility,” he said. “The facility is going to have a state-of-the-art kitchen, a large media room and ADA compliant restrooms. There is also going to be a wrap around porch around the building so the seniors will be able to view River Road and the park area.”

Cooper said the seniors of Edgard are currently using a facility that has been renovated behind the Edgard Courthouse. The new facility, like the old one, will be a place for seniors to interact with each other.

“From the old one to the new one, there is no comparison; they are getting a brand new facility,” Cooper said. “They are getting all new up-to-date, state-of-the-art amenities. We’re going to have a much larger facility for the seniors, it’s 32,000 square feet.”

Having a new facility for residents to enjoy, Cooper said, is exciting.

“Having a facility like this is good because it keeps the seniors active,” Cooper said. “It promotes a more healthy lifestyle. They get to participate in social activities. Going to the facility is free and they can receive breakfast and lunch.”

Division A Councilman at Large Larry Sorapuru said it’s important for seniors to have a place to go where they can interact with others.

“Having the facility gives a lot of seniors the opportunity to sit and have a meal with people in the community,” Sorapuru said. “It’s also a place for them to socialize. I know they get together and plain field trips.”

With the new facility Sorapuru said seniors won’t have to worry about sharing a clustered parking lot with the courthouse.

“They will have access to the walking path at the park,” he said. “They can walk the levee if they want to see the river. They will be able to see the baseball games and take advantage of the recreational things that are around the park.”