Close area in state park might be opened

PHOTO: The City of St. Martinville was selected as the District III statewide Cleanest City winner sponsored by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation. Glenda Kately, City Cleanest City chairman,(left) and Mayor Thomas Nelson, accepted the award from Jean Gilstrap, State Cleanest City chairman.

If current efforts are successful the wooded southern area of Longfellow-Evangeline StateHistoric Site, adjacent to St. Martinville Senior High School, may reopen.
Christie Disher, interpretive ranger at Longfellow, told the City Council Monday (June 1) that there were promising results from a May 22 intergovernmental meeting on the subject. A cooperative agreement between the state, parish and city is being sought to return scenic area to public use.
The Louisiana Department of Transporation and Development (DOTD) condemned a 1938-vintage bridge in 2010, resulting in the closure of the area.
The now-overgrown area contains a nature trail, amphitheatre, dock and other features that are fondly remembered by many residents. With the condemnation of the bridge, access would have involved crossing SMSH property. The bridge allows access through Longfellow on what used to be La. road 736.
According to District 2 Councilman Craig Prosper, the bridge may not need full replacement. An inspection is being scheduled to assess its condition more closely.
In other business, District 1 Councilman Mike Fuselier reported that a group of disc golf course designers laid out a preliminary design for the course at Magnolia Park. The group reported that they believe the course will be one of the best, and certainly the most scenic, in the area.
Fuselier said that fund raising for the course has gone extreemly well and will allow for extra amenities including benches and trash cans along the course. A recent tournament in Lafayette brought out 137 fee-paying contestants.