Just Imagine SWLA recently celebrated a week of remarkable progress and community engagement, all centered around the visionary Bayou Greenbelt project in collaboration with the National Park Service - Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (NPS-RTCA). It is one of six community-led initiatives identified and facilitated by NPS-RTCA in partnership with FEMA, focusing on natural and cultural resource conservation, outdoor recreation, and nature-based tourism in Southwest Louisiana.
The final week of July was filled with events showcasing the region's dedication to boosting outdoor recreation, enhancing resilience, and strengthening community ties, all while connecting more deeply with Southwest Louisiana's natural environment. At these meetings and events, the NPS-RTCA introduced attendees to the concept of "Big Little Projects" as opportunities for everyone to contribute to Bayou Greenbelt and the other projects throughout Southwest Louisiana. These can range from individual/family efforts to community-wide projects. A collaborative approach to "Big Little Projects" grows support while enhancing a sense of community.
Monday, July 29 - Cameron Parish Project Presentation
Location: Grand Lake High School
The week of events commenced with a presentation at Grand Lake High School, where the NPS-RTCA presented the findings of its Cameron Parish: Redevelopment and Revisioning Project. The report outlines several recommendations for ecotourism enhancements throughout the parish. The meeting included a lively exchange of "Big Little Ideas" to help implement the recommendations outlined in the project. The Cameron Parish Tourism Commission also shared the launch of the TripChat app, which allows locals and visitors alike to discover unique and hidden gems in the area. It is available around the already-established sites in Cameron Parish.
Tuesday, July 30 - A Day of Collaboration
Location: SEED Center, CFSWLA Office, & Lake Charles City Hall
The celebration for Bayou Greenbelt kicked off Tuesday morning. The NPS-RTCA presented the Bayou Greenbelt alongside the Local Foods Local Places initiative to the Chamber SWLA & Economic Development Alliance's current Leadership Southwest Louisiana class, Southwest Louisiana Public Relations Officers (SWLA PROs), ISHRMA, the Chamber Workforce Committee, and more. The presentation deepened this discussion around "Big Little Projects" and an exchange of ideas that would benefit Bayou Greenbelt as well as Local Foods Local Places in North Lake Charles.
Wednesday, July 31 - Riverside Park Kayak Launch
Location: Riverside Park
Wednesday's events were centered around Riverside Park in North Lake Charles, a key site for the Bayou Greenbelt. A morning session with Southwest Louisiana's young professionals' organization Fusion Five highlighted Bayou Greenbelt's promise to enhance public access to natural spaces through its network of trails and launches and furthered the discussion on "Big Little Projects." The excitement continued with an open house and a ribbon cutting for the new kayak launch. This celebration marked a significant milestone in the Bayou Greenbelt's progress, with the kayak launch offering a tangible glimpse into the project's potential. Adding a layer of local pride and academic collaboration, NPS-RTCA and Just Imagine SWLA representatives highlighted the work done by McNeese State University students, who designed the Bayou Greenbelt logo in 2022, and LSU landscape architecture students, who contributed supplemental conceptual plans.
Thursday, August 1 - West Park Visioning with DeRidder Rotary
Location: Cecil's
The week concluded with a presentation to the DeRidder Rotary Club, in which the NPS-RTCA shared the vision for the West Park Master Plan. Considered a hub for the community, West Park was severely damaged after Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The master plan offers recommendations to help not only bring the park back to its pre-storm standard but additional recommendations to provide further enhancements. The "Big Little Projects" concept was also introduced to the club as a way for community groups to get involved.
The week's events showcased how "Big Little Projects" can spark significant change, proving that when a community comes together, even the smallest efforts can have a lasting impact.
To learn more make sure to sign up for the e-newsletter.
