Ross Williams Park is getting a makeover thanks to several grants secured by the City of Natchitoches. The park, located at 1401 Dean Street in Natchitoches in the heart of the Bailey Heights community, will see enhancements such as a basketball court, toddler play pod, fitness cluster and covered pavilion.
“The overall improvements to Ross Williams Park will benefit a wide range of ages from toddlers to senior citizens,” stated Dallas Russell, Community Programs Manager for the City of Natchitoches. “The goal of the improved park is to make it accessible and welcoming for all ages.”
Ross Williams Park currently has a small playground area and picnic table. The planned improvements will enhance the park by providing a walking track for those wanting to stay fit, a basketball court for youth, and a covered pavilion for community functions. Updated playground equipment in the form of a toddler play pod and fitness cluster will provide fun and exciting play opportunities for children under the age of 12.
“We are excited about the new park improvements and feel this will be great for our community,” stated Johnny Barnes, President of the Concerned Citizens Association for the Bailey Height Community. “We want our neighbors to take pride in this community and enjoy the activities available here. This will be a friendly, safe environment that was really needed for the kids in our neighborhood.”
Ross Williams Park improvements are being funded in part by the Union Pacific Foundation, a Healthy Behaviors Mini Grant from The Rapides Foundation, and Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. Improvements are expected to be completed by December 2016.
So will this park too be charged an admission or use fee as the youth baseball parks that are now seemingly owned by Frank Griffin? He use them rent free for profit but anyone else must pay. It is sad that the mayor allows this to happen. Griffin makes a living using taxpayer properties but local youth teams must pay to use ball fields. Someone needs to explain!