[StBernard] Visitors enjoy pedal boats, rock climbing and rope feature at Torres Park grand opening

[Westley Annis]

Visitors enjoy pedal boats, rock climbing and rope feature at Torres Park
grand opening

 

The grand opening at Torres Park in Chalmette showcased $1.5 million in
renovation work, including new playground equipment, two new gazebos, pedal
boats, kayaks, fishing, a rope bridge, and a rock and water feature modeled
after Monkey Hill at Audubon Zoo. 

 

"This park never looked as good as it does now," St. Bernard Parish
President Craig P. Taffaro, Jr. said. "It's a signature project that will be
utilized by everyone."

 

FEMA funded the work at Torres Park, adjacent to the Government Complex in
Chalmette. 

 

Visitors can see the two aeration fountains in the pond lighted at night, as
well as the new playground and boat house and bait shop which will be used
for rentals of pedal boats and kayaks and for bait sales. The park has two
four-passenger pedal boats and four two-passenger pedal boats available for
rent that are docked at the new 40-foot pier. The pond that has been graded
and cleared of debris has been fully stocked with fish. The pond has been
cleared so pedal boats can continuous navigation around the island. A
reconstructed, lighted wooden bridge allows access to the island, which has
sand beach and electrical outlets for parties.

 

Local children voted on the playground selection on the northern side of the
park. Among the amenities, children can now enjoy the rock and water feature
that allows them to climb up and down a creek of water on the hill in Torres
Park.

 

The contractor was B & K Contractors who did all of the construction, except
for the gazebo over the water that was done by Lanco Construction. Principal
Engineering was in charge of architecture and engineering. Terry Lopez and
Steve Hogg were the project's managers for CDM. 

 

At the grand opening party, Taffaro thanked the local, state and federal
officials who worked on the project as well as the government employees who
have a hand in managing the project including Chief Administrative Officer
Dave Dysart, St. Bernard Parish Recovery Director Michael Dorris, Jr. and
his staff, and Public Works Director Kenneth Odinet and his staff, including
Diana Goin who is the project's resident inspector.

 

For more information about St. Bernard Parish and its growth and recovery,
visit www.sbpg.net <http://www.sbpg.net> .

 

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