Caddo Parish Pickleball Park Proposal: The Caddo Parish Commission is set to vote for the third time this Thursday on a $10 million pickleball park proposal. Commissioners are working to correct misinformation and explain that the cost is part of a 30-year revenue bond to build a multi-court complex.
Residents Voice Concerns
During Monday’s commission work session, residents expressed opposition to the plan. Many are alarmed by the $10 million figure and do not understand it is a long-term bond rather than an immediate expense. Parish officials and commissioners have visited local parks and community centers to provide information and answer questions.
Pickleball as a Quality-of-Life Issue
Commissioner John-Paul Young emphasized the need for investment to retain and attract residents as the population declines.
“Caddo Parish and Shreveport are losing about 3,000 people a year. The people who are moving away are not a random selection of people. They are middle-class, upper-middle class people with families and kids. They’re also retirees. Those are the demographics who play pickleball. Pickleball is a quality-of-life element. If everybody keeps moving away from Shreveport, it’s not going to matter how much money we borrow. We’ve got to turn this city around. We can’t do it by saying no to every idea that comes up and never offering a suggestion of something else to do,” Young said.
Next Steps
The commission’s vote this Thursday will determine whether the pickleball park moves forward. Officials say the facility is intended to attract and keep residents, offering a recreational space for multiple demographics while supporting the community’s long-term growth.
News in Brief: Caddo Parish Pickleball Park Proposal
The Caddo Parish Commission will vote Thursday on a $10 million pickleball park funded by a 30-year revenue bond. Commissioner John-Paul Young called it a “quality-of-life element” to retain residents amid population decline. Officials continue community outreach to clarify project details and address concerns.
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