St. Helena Parish Recreation District Master Plan

The St. Helena Recreation District commissioned us to prepare a comprehensive master plan for their 20-acre partially developed property located outside Greensburg, Louisiana. The site already contained a community center, baseball field, and basketball court. The client sought a bold re-envisioning of the park to maximize its potential and better serve the community through expanded recreational opportunities.

The requested program included a new gymnasium, expansion of the existing community center, a splash pad, playground, multi-use sports fields, and the development of a large lake with fishing piers and perimeter trails.

The planning process began with a detailed site inventory and analysis. Topography proved to be the primary challenge, with a large drainage swale running through the center of the property. This analysis determined that the southern portion offered the most developable higher ground, while the northern area was defined by the lower swale.

The master plan organizes all major active uses along the higher southern side of the property. This includes the new gymnasium, a large parking area, multi-use athletic fields (baseball, softball, and soccer), a maintenance barn, playgrounds, splash pad, and pickleball courts.

In the northwest corner near the entrance, the western portion of the swale is proposed to be transformed into a native plant interpretive area planted with aquatic trees and shrubs. The sloping topography across the swale near the entry provides an ideal location for a large natural amphitheater. The central portion of the site and the majority of the remaining swale are programmed as a scenic lake, featuring multiple fishing piers and group shelters along the shoreline. A continuous nature trail encircles the entire property, connecting all amenities and providing recreation opportunities for all ages.

A detailed development cost summary was prepared and presented to the client, outlining the estimated costs for all proposed programmatic elements.

This master plan delivers a cohesive, forward-thinking framework that transforms the property into a vibrant, multi-functional recreational destination for the citizens of St. Helena Parish.