Welsh resident calls for improvements to Bethune Park

Published 3:41 pm Saturday, March 7, 2026

A Welsh resident is calling on the town to provide running water and restrooms at Bethune Park on Martin Luther King Street.

While the town’s recent improvements to the basketball court have successfully attracted youth from across the area to the park, resident Eddie Achane said it lacks basic amenities. He said youth frequently have to use nearby bushes to “relieve themselves” because there are no functional restrooms on-site.

“Kids flock to that basketball court with their shoes in their bags because they don’t have to play on concrete,” he said, acknowledging the improvements to the park. “They play games, and they sweat… but when the game is over they are running to the bushes to relieve themselves. They need to go to the bathroom and it’s a normal function, it’s necessary.”

Despite discussions in the past, Achane said the park has not had restrooms since they were removed more than 40 years ago.

Alderwoman Jackie Balmer said she remembers the discussions but does not know why they didn’t go any further.

“After all these years, they haven’t had a bathroom out there for quite a few years,” Achane said.

Alderwoman Andrea King said the bathrooms were removed because they were vandalized.

Balmer countered that the youth playing in the park are not the ones vandalizing it.

“Maybe we can get a port-a-potty out there,” Mayor Karl Arceneaux said. “If they don’t destroy the port-a-potty, then we can look into it further.”

A portable toilet was expected to be set up by the end of the week.

Additionally, Achane said there is no access to running water or water faucets for the youth to drink.

“I sit out there and take part in the children playing,” Achane said. “Sometimes I have water in my truck. I give them water, but there’s no running water, no restrooms at Bethune Park.”

However, Alderman Lawrence “Bugger” Mier said people have been washing cars at the park which raised questions about where the water is coming from.

While the suggestion of a portable toilet has been raised as a trial, Achane urged the town to consider a more permanent solution. He said there is evidence of existing sewage infrastructure from previous structures that could potentially be utilized for new restrooms and water faucets.

He urged the town to take his concerns under serious consideration to ensure Bethune Park remains a safe and functional environment for the community’s youth.