Parks and new creations

On a recent summer afternoon, a young boy, all of 10 years old, timidly knocked his putter against a small white ball. The ball bumped along the short grass then disappeared into the cup a few feet away. His father, overjoyed, threw his hands in the air, then quickly hugged his beaming son, breaking the silence of the moment and the expansive course around them with a resounding, “Yes!”

It was a precious moment on the quiet greens at City Park. And after a triumphant embrace, worthy of its own green jacket or silver cup, the duo turned to walk to the ?next tee alone, not another golfer in sight.

The question then becomes whether nine holes of golf saddled between public 18-hole courses at Webb Park and LSU are the best application of what is arguably some of Baton Rouge’s most gorgeous acreage.

BREC’s stated objective is to “provide quality parks and recreational opportunities for all the residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.” Is an underused golf course in the middle of the city the best way to achieve this mission?

While the permanence of the City Park golf course has been debated in years past, with advocates for its removal and for its preservation firmly entrenched in their views, a third option—a way through these hard-line positions—could help build community and communication across generational, economic and racial divides and give golfers and non-golfers what they want.

In July, BREC showed a glimmer of hope for what the park could easily become when it hosted the City-Brooks Summer Showcase.

With the golf course closed temporarily, several acres of City Park were dedicated to a Promenade Art Walk, food vendors and games, live music, a wine tasting, a laser light show and more. People young and old, families and students from across Baton Rouge attended.

Perhaps stunned by the revelation of topography in this largely flat town, a line of children waited anxiously to power a “hamster ball” down the sloping hill on the 9th hole.

Parks officials estimate some 800 people turned out, and new BREC Superintendent Carolyn McKnight is committed to opening the park for more activities while continuing to serve golfers.

One need only look as far as City Park in New Orleans to find a green space destination that serves both golfers and non-golfers who flock to the park for a variety of cultural events—including live concerts each week.

Movies & Music on the Lawn and other Baton Rouge Gallery attractions are wonderful, but 225 encourages BREC to consider suspending golf for a day or two each month for new programming.

A once-a-month picnic Sunday with live music could draw hundreds of families, while the park’s natural amphitheatre behind the gallery and multiple water features provide ample opportunities for picturesque fireworks displays and symphony and jazz performances.

BREC should be lauded for the Summer Showcase, but it needs to recognize that it has a continued responsibility to use this amazing public space for the benefit of all citizens. In turn, organizations within the parish need to respond by embracing the park as their own and presenting BREC with ideas, plans and funding for specialty and citywide cultural events of all kinds and for all seasons.

It’s time for City Park to belong to the entire city of Baton Rouge.