The 12 acres of walking trails in the back of Tuten Park have begun a journey of sustainable recovery.

In 2020, Hurricane Laura leveled the forest in Tuten Park, eliminating vital canopies and allowing invasive species to run amuck. The gates of Tuten Park reopened in Nov. 2022, but the back trails weren’t ready for the public to access.

City officials and project partners toured the land on Friday to see firsthand the work that needs to be completed.

Michael Castille, City of Lake Charles director of community services, said that “aggressive tree planting” will take place to return Tuten Park to its former glory.

In tandem with ReTreeLC, Sasol is funding the replanting of trees in Tuten Park through the regional 1000 Trees in a 1000 Days program.

The restoration of the back part of Tuten Park will come at no cost to the City, as Sasol is funding $225,000 towards the three phases of tree plantings. There are two replanting phases left to complete.

He explained that without Sasol’s contribution, funding the restoration would be difficult.

“We have to juggle different things from a priority standpoint, and Sasol was able to come in and make it a priority for our community.”

Sasol has been involved in a Partners in Parks program for around five years. Through the partnership, they have worked to fund master plans for both Tuten Park and Riverside Park that include green infrastructure, updated drainage and the Nature in Focus Program, the educational arm of Sasol’s Partners in Park participation.

Wesley Hayes, Resource Environmental Solutions operations coordinator, said that the plantings will include a mix of at least ten different species of bottomland hardwoods trees, including green ash, southern pecan and multiple oak species.

Their goal is to recreate a healthy habitat for native species that will supplement the community.

Work will take place through the fall and winter to clear debris and vegetation. Castille explained that as debris is cleared and trail conditions are assessed, further plans will be made.

“Right now, some of our walking trails have been messed up because of the storm. I want to make sure everything is safe for everybody to come out here.”

He stated that his goal is to have the back portion of Tuten Park reopened by the first quarter of next year.