West Bank resident Chermaine Roybiskie told Parish Council members recently that she asked local leaders to bring a splash park to the West Bank six years ago and is disappointed there are no plans, as of now, to build one.

Roybiskie’s concern and that of Councilman at Large Larry Sorapuru Jr. have thrown a little water on what other parish leaders trumpeted this summer as the completion of a Recreation Improvements Project that included $2.3 million in park improvements to each Parish park, including creating or upgrading two spray parks, a dog park, play sets, gazebos, fitness stations, restrooms, benches, concession stands and parking lot improvements.

Unfortunately, for Roybiskie and others, there is no a spray park located on the West Bank.

Parish Administration countered by saying residents were given the opportunity to present a wish list of recreational items during organizational meetings and a West Bank splash park was not suggested.

Sorapuru has now asked Parish Officials to put a splash park “at the top of the list for funding” in the next budget cycle.

The West Bank has not been ignored in parish upgrades.

The Parish Council recently approved a $649,000 construction contract to build a 3,000 square foot West Bank Senior Center facility that will provide a modernized building, state-of-the-art kitchen, large activity room, aesthetic amenities and large wrap around porch.

Work is also underway on a $153,000 sidewalk lining makeover.

The work includes the removal and replacement of existing concrete sidewalks that may have become hazardous for travel over time.

The project accounts for residents with disabilities by installing handicap warnings at locations where the new sidewalk intersects with roadways.

The project focuses on sidewalks in Lucy and Edgard and includes approximately two miles of non-consecutive work in locations with heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

We agree our parish would be better served had a splash park been included for our children on the West Bank and are also glad to know efforts are being made to service residents in Edgard, Lucy and Wallace.