Calling all Lazy Gators: Westlake water park nearing completion
Published 5:47 am Sunday, March 30, 2025
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
Ward Four Recreation District One embarked on a mission to bring a new waterpark to Westlake and the surrounding area in April 2022. That project is now nearing completion.
The Lazy Gator Water Park is a $25 million project that will span five acres. Featuring amenities like a 25-meter swimming pool, a 1,000-foot-long lazy river and a beach volleyball court, the water park will be an oasis during Southwest Louisiana’s hottest months and beyond.
Community is truly the driving force behind the new park, said Waterpark Supervisor Logan Jones. The recreation district team was inspired to bring a waterpark to Westlake after they received a positive public reception to a splash pad. They knew they needed to go bigger.
“We take pride and joy in providing the perfect place for people to come together and have fun,” he explained to the American Press. “After seeing how great the splash pad did how could we not provide something better for the people to enjoy.”
The recreation district provides services to keep people active. Jones called this the “key to life.”
“We try to provide a service for all types of activities that will help people get out, meet up with friends, neighbors, or even strangers, and have something to do in a fun-filled safe environment.”
The Lazy River is the amenity the recreation team is most excited about, he noted.
The project was initially set for completion in April 2025. The project timeline was extended due to “unforeseen projects and exciting additions.”
A letter sent from the Recreation District noted that while construction with Miller and Associates is under contract until December, the goal is to open the park for the summer.
The amenities that were added to the project are the 25-meter pool with lap lanes for local swim teams to practice and host competitions; storage space; the beach volleyball court next to the lazy river; and a building for lifeguards and employees. He also noted the park entrance had to be reworked to ensure efficient traffic flow.
Following construction and before the grand opening, Jones and his team will take time to coordinate efficient best practices and train new staff.
There is no guarantee the project will be ready for the summer, but the Recreation Center team can guarantee they will do “everything in their power” to get the park open for the public as soon as possible “not just for Westlake residents, but for everyone to come enjoy a day at the waterpark,” Jones said.
Questions can be directed to 337-436-1124.
