The Just Imagine SWLA 50-Year Resilience Master Plan for Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes continues to shape the future of our region, focusing on enhancing our communities and making Southwest Louisiana an even better place to live, work and play.
In this month's piece, we delve into the exciting updates and future plans for waterfront development in Lake Charles. We spoke with Mayor Nic Hunter to discuss the progress, impact and vision for these transformative projects.
Q: You had the vision for creating Port Wonder on the lakefront. What inspired you to make this a hallmark of your administration?
A: We’ve talked about lakefront development for so long, and we needed a catalyst. I was informed that there were significant funds set aside from the BP Oil Spill Settlement for a “Lake Charles Science and Education Center.” I also heard that the Children’s Museum was looking for a new home. It just made sense to get these two together, and so Port Wonder was born. The lakefront is our welcome sign to much of the rest of the world, and it deserves to be activated and beautiful. Port Wonder, Crying Eagle Lakefront, and other projects will accomplish this task. This truly is a generational moment for Lake Charles.
Q: Waterfront Development is one of the eleven catalytic projects in the Just Imagine SWLA 50-Year Resilience Master Plan. In addition to the current projects (Port Wonder, Crying Eagle, parking garage), which recommendations from the plan do you expect the City of Lake Charles to tackle next?
A: In addition to wrapping up construction on Port Wonder, the City is currently working on Phase Two of repairs and restoration of the boardwalk along the lake’s north shore, and the City will re-establish pedestrian accessibility along the entire lakefront so someone can once again walk from Millennium Park all the way to the I-10 North Beach. The City is also looking to add public art elements to certain areas of the lakefront. The City will also go out for bids soon on bathrooms for North Beach, and we feel we are very close to a private sponsor to help provide upgrades to the Alligator Pond. The LC REBOUND bond proposal, which passed in November of last year, also included a brand new Lakefront Amphitheater.
Q: When residents participated in creating the Just Imagine SWLA master plan, natural and cultural resources, as well as economic development, were top priorities. How do you envision the Waterfront Development catalytic project impacting these priorities in Lake Charles?
A: More than 80,000 vehicles pass the Lakefront development site each day. The Waterfront Development currently underway will draw vehicles off the interstate to check out the new attractions available thanks to Port Wonder, Crying Eagle Lakefront and Lake Area Adventures. These developments will have people from around the region planning trips to Lake Charles to take in the scenic beauty of our lake, while visiting these attractions. Additionally, these developments open up a completely new opportunity for residents to shop and support local. The Lakefront development happening now means quality of life, but it also means new revenue into the City.
Q: Another component of Just Imagine SWLA is the Strong Downtowns catalytic project. What measures are being taken to ensure that downtown Lake Charles is connected to the waterfront and that the two projects, together, support local businesses and create job opportunities for residents?
A: Downtown Lake Charles has experienced a positive transformation over the last several years and is now a vibrant scene for dining and entertainment options. Annual favorite festivals such as ChuckFest, Downtown at Sundown, Smoke and Barrel and many others are a large draw for locals and visitors. The Lake Charles Event Center grounds are active with numerous events each weekend as well. Earlier this year we saw the first sold-out concert in many years at Sudduth Coliseum. Parker McCollum not only brought people to the Event Center, he also brought people to downtown for dinner prior to the show. There is no doubt that a higher volume of activity on the Lakefront is a boost to Downtown in general. The City is looking for ways to better connect pedestrians from the lakefront to the heart of Downtown. We want to improve walkability by making it safe, convenient, and pleasant for visitors to traverse between the two areas.
Q: As a father of young children, what are you most excited to experience with your children at Port Wonder at both the Children's Museum and Nature and Science Center?
A: I’m excited to bring them somewhere where they can learn but also have fun. I’m excited to bring them to a place that looks inspiring both inside and out. I’m excited to bring them to something that families in Lake Charles have deserved for many years.
This article was featured in the August 2024 edition of Thrive Magazine.
Make sure to check out Thrive Magazine each month to read the latest on Just Imagine SWLA and sign up for the e-newsletter.
