Lafayette Central Park is Newly Named Moncus Park at the Horse Farm
Sep 07, 2016 04:16PM ● By Press Release
Lafayette Central Park is Newly Named Moncus Park at the Horse Farm
News Update & Upcoming Event Details
One of the greatest and most exciting additions to Lafayette’s landscape is the newly named “Moncus Park at the Horse Farm,” 100-acres of beautiful parkland right in the middle of the city on Johnston Street. After a community-led campaign saved the property from commercial development, community leaders formed a new non-profit named Lafayette Central Park, Inc., to lead an open process to gather input from local citizens on what they envision for the park. The park’s master plan is beautiful, and highlights some of the top elements that residents dreamed of for the park, but also keeps much of the landscape natural, and highlights the already beautiful rolling hills, forested ravines, and huge live oak trees on the property.
2016 has been a very exciting year for the park, and in May, the new name of the park was unveiled at the second annual “Party in the Park” fundraising festival, honoring Mr. Jim Moncus and his wife, Ruth, for their generous support of this great community project. A business visionary, Mr. Moncus' vision is to give back to the Acadiana community by supporting organizations and individuals that exemplify the values of hard work and dedication to make a difference in people’s lives.
This summer, the park also launched its first annual free concert series, “GrassRoots,” bringing the community together to celebrate great music in the park with regional musicians, local merchants, yard games, and lots of food and drink options.
This fall also marks the beginning of the park’s first phase of construction on many of the features in the master plan from the community’s vision. Elements include tree houses and an adventure playground, a dog park, a farmer’s market pavilion, an outdoor classroom under the oaks, and a mini-golf course. There’s sure to be something for everyone in the family! Phase 1 also includes a new entry drive from Johnston Street, a vehicular bridge over the Coulee Mine, and the park’s main parking lot, along with a rain garden for sustainable stormwater management.
The park has collaborated with lots of local organizations, businesses, and school groups who have volunteered their time and services for various park projects, from invasive species removal, to sustainable pest control, to volunteering for the park’s events. To get your office, organization, or church involved at the park, please email [email protected] today to find out how!
Several events are planned for the fall, including the first ever “Drive-In at the Park” on Saturday, October 8
th at 7pm. Grab your friends and family and head to Moncus Park at the Horse Farm to watch a classic family film and grab dinner, drinks, and popcorn for this unique drive-in experience on the meadow!
Also, the park’s Annual Gala, “An Evening Under the Oaks… Around the Fire,” is set for the evening of Wednesday, November 2nd from 6-9pm. The event will honor all those community leaders who are helping to make the park a reality. The event includes unique live and silent auctions, great entertainment, and the best of our local cuisine. Get your tickets to this momentous celebration at www.lafayettecentralpark.org!
As always, the Lafayette Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market happens every Saturday in the park from 8am to noon. The market boasts regional vendors coming from over 24 parishes to sell produce, art, jewelry, and other homemade goods. The unique shopping experience for the whole family includes a Cajun Jam that happens each Saturday during the market at 9am! If you haven’t been, it’s worth the trip!
For more information about what’s in store for the park’s future, and to sign up for Lafayette Central Park’s newsletter, visit www.lafayettecentralpark.org!
Written By: EB Brooks
