Agreement paves way for Parks canoe dock

The partnership agreement necessary to allow the Teche Project to build a canoe/kayak dock at Cecile Rousseau Memorial Park was approved by the village council here.
Patti Holland, of the Teche Project, addressed the March 14 village council meeting to explain the agreement and ask for permission to go ahead with installation of the floating dock as soon as funds are secured. This agreement was needed before the Teche Project can apply for the state grant that will fund the dock.
By the terms of the agreement, the partnering towns provide the space, install the necessary concrete pad and agree to maintain the dock for 30 years. Each site is considered a “trailhead” and most will include restroom facilities and an information kiosk.
UL Lafayette funded the first four floating docks, which will eventually be placed about every ten miles on the portion of the Bayou Teche designated a National Water Trail. There are 13 towns along the 135-mile route, which runs from Port Barre to Berwick, the path of the annual Tour Du Teche canoe race, which is set for April 1.
In other business, Mayor Kevin Kately said the Village has purchased a new mower and he is exploring options for a new truck. Also, the materials are on site for an equipment shelter to be built across from the Village library.
Finally, Kately said he expects to start construction of a second restroom at the park soon. He explained that the preferred location for the structure may not work, because the removal of tree roots might put nearby trees in jeopardy. If that is the case, he said, one of the 20 camper lots might have to be sacrificed for a suitable location.