St. Martinville's Magnolia Park getting upgrades

The restroom and shelter by the boat ramp at Magnolia Park is getting a much-needed upgrade. New stainless sinks and toilets, new doors and a general cosmetic restoration are now underway as part of an overall effort to bring the facility up to standards.
With plans in the works for the new disc golf course to be constructed later this year, the time is right for some remodeling of the existing facilities. The disc golf course is expected to bring an increase in usage of the park and, of course, its restrooms.
The growing popularity of the sport of disc golf (reportedly the fastest growing sport worldwide) suggests that the course should be a good draw locally, and official tournaments could attract hundreds of players and family members. Bringing in new visitors has never been an easy thing to do, and with very little public financing needed, the installation appears to be a very good idea.
The disc golf company Geaux Throw Sports is donating all 18 of the goal baskets. The company has plans to open a pro shop as well as their company headquarters in the old swimming pool building, but plans have not been finalized. By all accounts, though, planning and fund raising have proceeded smoothly.
District 1 Councilman Mike Fuselier told Teche News that concrete pouring should begin this week on the 18 tee pads for the course. The target, he said, is to host the first tournament in September. Organizers and course designers say that the picturesque location along the Teche could help make the course very popular.
Also scheduled for upgrading is the park’s playground, with all new equipment to be installed in the near future. Fuselier was not certain when the equipment would start going in, but said that it is in the works as weather and budget timing permit. He said that the anticipated traffic should draw attention to other park features like the beach volleyball courts, which are also being prepared for greater use.
Magnolia Park has seen many upgrades in the past few years, with its new top-grade baseball and soccer fields and related facilities the most visible. Current projects promise to bring the other features of the park up to their full potential as well.