By this fall, District C should have a new park nestled in a residential neighborhood.

The city of Lake Charles began work on a new park at the intersection of Anita Dr. and Ryder Ave, and hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for Anita Drive Park on Wednesday.

The new park will feature a splash pad, open green space, walking training and amenities like a gazebo and bike racks.

In a release, Mayor Nic Hunter said that Anita Drive Park will be a “great asset” for the mid-city area.

“A number of positive developments are underway in this community and we are looking forward to turning this vacant parcel of land into an active space for residents of all ages to enjoy.”

He noted at the ceremony that the construction of the park was made possible by the drive of Distinct C Councilmember Rodney Geyen.

“At the city of Lake Charles, we really like to consider projects like this teamwork”

For Geyen, Anita Drive Park is a dream come true, and he believes the residents of mid-city will be “elated” about the park.

“I know that the people in this area, young and old, will enjoy this park for a long, long time. … I am so glad that I’m able to, along with this administration, to make certain that we have something available for the children during vacation time and summer.”

Weather permitting, the park is estimated to open in October.

The new park is mostly funded by a Love Louisiana Outdoors Grant that was given by the Louisiana Office of Community Development.

The Anita Drive area is set to see other improvements. With the passage of the LC Rebound bond proposal, a Boys and Girls Club will be housed in a youth center located at the park. This Boys and Girls Club will double at a Community Resilience Hub – a space for residents to gather and receive assistance in the case of a weather emergency.

Anita Drive Park was designed by CSRS Inc. Lake Charles. Russel J Stutes Construction and B&M Civil Services, LLC, will conduct the construction and groundwork.