By Paige Gurgainers
The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission (WPCVC) met last month with Parish Line Architects and CARBO Landscape Architects for a site visit and workshop regarding Miller Quarters Park.
“It was very enlightening. They had great ideas,” said WPCVC Executive Director Serena Gray.
According to Gray they were able to map out a preliminary schedule. “This is just a guideline with dates included which is super helpful. They are now in the process of drafting some conceptual designs of the structures that we talked about.”
Some of those structures include an amphitheater, dog park, kids play area, food truck area and restrooms. A BMX structure was also mentioned along with renderings for the house that remains on the premises and a list of what supplies will be required to finish these projects.
Gray stated that her biggest takeaway from the feedback received was that the WPCVC does not have to build everything immediately.
She said, “I just love that they presented it this way. We do not have to build permanent structures right away. We can build things that we can transition after we decide whether or not it is being utilized.”
Gray used the dog park as an example. “We can still host events that are dog friendly and see where dog owners congregate,” she said. “Where do they hang out? Is this the perfect location for a dog park or do they bring their dogs at all? Initially we can put in some trails and just see what pet owners do and if they are going to come or not.”
Commissioner Brandon Perryman was also in attendance at this workshop and agreed. “We don’t need to put money into something that nobody is going to use.”
The same thing was discussed concerning the BMX area. Gray suggested putting some mounds up temporarily to see if kids would bring their bikes to the park.
Perryman tossed around the idea of possibly doing something more geared towards the local skating community.
The WPCVC is expected to receive the final concept idea by April. From there they intend to hold a public forum to present those recommendations allowing the opportunity for community input.
“Once we get that from them, that is going to open the door for us to come up with phases as well as the supplies and labor. We will be able to communicate so much better with the community,” said Gray. “I think what we have been missing is an overall plan and guidance and I think we are close to getting that.”
The goal of establishing a phased plan is so that they are not required to shut down the park entirely but will be able to work in sections.
CARBO Landscaping also assisted with the building of the amphitheater on the riverfront in Natchitoches and informed Gray about some grants that may be available for funding.
The WPCVC has also been working closely with Parish Design Co. on branding for the park and presented a handful of ideas. “There were two that stood out. One was favored because they pulled the colors from the colors down Main Street,” said Gray. “The second favorite definitely had more of a park vibe and more of a playful feel to it. So, I am hoping we can come to an agreement somewhere in the middle.”
The WPCVC will meet again at 8:45 a.m., Wednesday, March 13 at the Springhill-North Webster Chamber of Commerce.