(Metro Creative Services)

Multiple projects and programs are planned for Jessie D. Clifton Park and Family Community Center.

J.D. Clifton Park has been a family-friendly staple in north Lake Charles for decades, and is named after J.D. Clifton, the first female principal in Calcasieu Parish and the first African-American to serve as a central office staff person for the Lake Charles school district, said Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter.

She is known for her massive efforts to bring education and resources to Black students in Lake Charles over 50 years ago, such as instituting the area’s first free lunch program for Black students and lobbying for the creation of Washington High School to accommodate the growing population of Black students in the City.

“I think we owe a lot to Mrs. J.D. Clifton and I think it’s very appropriate that this park and recreation center is named after her,” said Hunter.

Hunter, alongside representatives from private partnerships gathered at the Center on Thursday to discuss the plans for the park.

The first of these is a new Boys and Girls Club that would be located at J.D. Clifton Park.

Rhyan Wheeler, president and CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana, said that since 2020, the Boys and Girls Club located at Cheniere Boys and Girls Club at Columbus Circle has helped 50 kids a day by providing them with programming that addresses social and emotional wellness, academic success, citizenship and lifestyle.

At this location, there are currently over 90 children on the waiting list.

“We know there is a need here in Lake Charles. We know that we have waiting lists,” she said. “Having additional clubs will only help the community.”

For this reason, the city plans to build two more centers, one at J.D. Clifton and one on Anita Drive. The additional centers will create enough space for the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana to accommodate teenagers and institute workforce development programs, she said.

The centers will be built to fortified standards and will double as community resilience hubs.

Additionally, the city plans to build a putting green course at J.D. Clifton.

Hunter said that while the golf course will not be full-sized, it will be “something very unique and very special” to Lake Charles.

“We’re going to introduce the game of golf to an area of the city that has never really seen it before and introduce this game to some young men and women who may have otherwise never had a chance to enjoy the game of golf.”

Rene Rangel, co-founder and CEO, Sterling Golf, said that introducing golf to underprivileged youth who may not have the funds or resources to experience the sport otherwise has been a long-term goal.

“It’s exciting that we can bring golf to a local community for those kids that can’t travel to Mallard Golf Club. … It gives them an opportunity to understand a little about the sport and it’s something that they can play for the rest of their lives.”

The course will be staffed by professionals from Mallard Golf Club and educational clinics will be scheduled.

He also announced that Sticks for Kids will be donating 10 golf sets to J.D. Clifton for the kids to use – once the putting green is complete.

The last project planned for the park is a botanical garden.

Hunter said that there is “nothing like this in Southwest Louisiana.”

To support the garden’s upkeep over several years, Stine’s contributed $25,000. State Senator Jeremy Stine, R-Lake Charles, said that projects like a botanical garden are important for the health of the community, stating the initiative is a “testament to the resilience and forward-thinking spirit of Lake Charles.”

“It’s not only about beautification, but it’s integral to the city’s recovery, and after facing the challenges brought by natural disasters and economic setbacks, these improvements act as a catalyst for the City of Lake Charles to rebound.”

The botanical garden is planned in partnership with the McNeese College of Agriculture and various civic organizations that would see to its upkeep.

The planned projects hinge on the passing of LC REBOUND, a tax-neutral bond proposal that would modernize the city’s current tax structure. The bond proposal will be on the ballot in November.