Moncus Park to Begin Phase 1 Construction

Lafayette Central Park, Inc., and Lafayette Consolidated Government are finalizing the pre-lease conditions required to enact the lease for Moncus Park, in order to begin construction. Trahan Construction has been contracted to build Phase 1 and has obtained a building permit after park plans were approved last month. Construction will begin as soon as possible, with limited access to the park while work is underway.

According to EB Brooks, executive director of Moncus Park, the following is being constructed as part of Phase 1; an entry driveway from Johnston street, a new two-way bridge over the coulee, a fenced in dog park, treeline promenade, wetland pond, and new parking among other amenities. Phase 1 is expected to take about a year. The back end of the park will remain closed until construction is complete. The front of the park, where the weekly market takes place, will remain open. Subsequently, tree houses, a market pavilion, and a mini-golf course is to follow.

 Phase 1 development will be focused on the front 60 acres of the new 100-acre park property. Pre-construction mobilization can be seen currently on the park property and the orange tree protection fencing has been put in place in order to guard the natural beauties. Water quality protection fencing has also been put in place in order to reduce any runoffs which might go into the coulee that runs through the park during construction.

“We are excited to be partnering with Trahan Construction to build Phase 1 of Moncus Park. They have a lot of park construction experience, and recently completed both of the new parks in Youngsville and Broussard. Even though we won't have sports fields like those parks, we are positive that they'll bring their professionalism and expertise to our project as well,” says Lenny Lemoine, the Chairman of LCP.

Troy Trahan, President of Trahan Construction, based in Lake Arthur, LA, says, “We consider it an honor to be selected to work with the Moncus Park Board of Directors and staff, as well as the architects and engineers, to bring this project to life. We are excited and looking forward to breaking ground.”

While access will be limited, all efforts will be made for the weekly Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market to continue as scheduled on Saturday mornings. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for March 27 at 5:30 pm under the Live Oak Grove along Johnston Street. All are encouraged to attend! Parking will be limited, additional parking is available in the South College Center parking lot. Information about the ceremony and updates on construction will be posted on both the park’s website and Facebook page.

For more information, visit moncuspark.org.