Work has officially kicked off on the planned Lacombe Nature Park, an ambitious $2 million project aimed at bolstering both recreation and preservation along 25 acres of historic and naturally significant land, linking the community to the Tammany Trace and Bayou Lacombe, with President Mike Cooper and Council Chairman Joe Impastato heralding its groundbreaking last Friday.
The park's conception intertwines with the Tammany Trace's 30th Anniversary, a fact President Cooper did not let go unnoticed during the announcement, "The Lacombe Nature Park is a celebration of the rich history of Lacombe, while preserving its natural environment," he stated according to stpgov.org, the park is a result of collaboration between various levels of government including the office of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and according to Cooper, intimately involves the natural history and scenic vistas that define the region.
The nature park promises various features designed to immerse visitors in the varied echo-systems and history present within its bounds; four distinct zones comprising the Swamp Experience, Woodland Trail Loop, Industrial Discovery Zone and Marsh District will be uniquely showcased alongside amenities such as picnic areas, native plantings, and overlook decks, all of these will be anchored by a historic train stationed on an extant rail spur, however, it will only be accessible via the Tammany Trace.
Council Chairman Joe Impastato touted the park as a boon for local recreation and broader community draw during his remarks, as reported by stpgov.org, "the children in our community will particularly benefit from the park, they will have a new way to connect with our environment, history and cultural heritage," he said, echoing a sentiment of inclusion and educational opportunity the park is designed to foster; he credits the efforts of several District 7 Councilmembers for bringing the project to the reality it is today.
Funding for the Lacombe Nature Park is sourced through a blend of state and federal grants totaling $1.1 million and an additional $1 million in local dollars, with the project's completion targeted within the next year, future phases are expected to further enrich the facility, adding more features for community enjoyment and education and the park itself, it is located at a nexus of historical significance having been home to Native American settlements, a mid-century barge operation and the Illinois Central Railroad, enveloping the Bayou Lacombe Boat Launch, Bayou Lacombe Bridge Trailhead, and the Tammany Trace.
