Parenting Roundtable: What makes the Capital Region a great place to raise children – and what can Baton Rouge and the surrounding communities do to make it even more special?
WADE EVANS
Mayor, City of Central
The Capital Region is a very special place. Physically, we’re more connected than any other region in the state. We have two great universities, most of the industry, an amazing park system, an amazing library system—quality of life opportunities everywhere. The biggest problem is how we view this region. I can go down Jefferson Highway and find 10 good things or 10 bad things. When we choose to look for the good, it’s amazing how much good we have. The key is to grow our next generation of leaders and teach people how to see the world around them.
EMILY GREENE
President, First Choice Therapy
The Capital Region has great places for children to learn and grow. We’re fortunate to have many school systems that give opportunities for all learners, especially our neurodiverse students and those with disabilities. Community businesses are working with our diverse population, offering sensory modifications. Our children have endless opportunities to experience organized sports through BREC, the YMCA, or schools. Children can experience our rich culture through a variety of affordable experiences such as our library system, the Baton Rouge Zoo, Louisiana Arts and Science Museum, and Knock Knock Children’s Museum. We also have a huge medical community able to provide collaborative care. The opportunities are there if parents seek them out.
SHAUN KEMMERLY, MD
Chief Medical Officer and Interim President, FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health
Baton Rouge is a diverse, culturally rich, loving community. We have parks, libraries, the Knock Knock Museum. From a child’s lens—festivals, crawfish boils, Live After Five, music events, St. Patrick’s Parade—it feels unending. That’s important as we grow healthcare and recruit pediatric specialists. The community needs to be welcoming, and providers see the diversity here. Festivals and Louisiana culture are helpful in growing our medical community. What we need to do next is continue fostering safe places for kids and families to explore and excel.
MARY STEIN
Assistant Library Director: Programs, Outreach & Collections, East Baton Rouge Parish Library
It’s a big small town with endless opportunities, many of which don’t cost money. We just have to open our eyes. There’s still an intergenerational connection here. That connection is really important. We have such a robust faith community. You can find a tribe in sports, music, theater, arts. Many things allow us to be participatory. We need to be our community’s staunchest advocates. That starts with citizens whose eyes are open to what Baton Rouge has to offer. Word of mouth matters. When your neighbor says, “I’m going to this thing in the park or at the library,” you realize the opportunities are here.
SONNY ALDRIDGE
CEO, United Community Bank
The Capital Region strikes a good balance. We have opportunities—education, healthcare, culture—but we still have small-town values. I want my kids raised in a place where they want to stay. I remember standing outside a store with my daughter, and she wanted to ride one of those little carousel rides, but I did not have any cash on me. A stranger noticed and handed her a dollar so she could ride. That’s where I want to raise my children. A lot of big cities are not like that. I travel for work, and in larger areas, you don’t get that same response. Here, people stay. You see rooftops, subdivisions, growth. We have that balance, and I think that’s why people choose to stay.
