LAFAYETTE, La. — Four Lafayette parks and recreation complexes could soon bear new names honoring individuals who played key roles in shaping the city’s recreational landscape, under a series of bills introduced Tuesday in the Louisiana Senate.
State Senator Gerald Boudreaux, a Democrat from Lafayette and former head of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, filed three bills — Senate Bills 76, 77, and 140 — that would rename City Park, Moore Park’s soccer complex, Brown Memorial Park, and the Heymann Recreation Complex.
The proposed changes aim to recognize community leaders who have made lasting contributions to Lafayette’s recreational programs and facilities.
Under Senate Bill 76, the City Park complex would be renamed Ernest Nabors, Jr. Park, honoring Nabors’ tenure as director of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Senate Bill 77 seeks to rename the soccer complex at Moore Park after Deanna Bostick, who founded Lafayette’s youth soccer association in the 1980s and was instrumental in expanding youth sports programs across the parish.
Senate Bill 140 proposes renaming Brown Memorial Park in honor of Merlin Leger, a devoted volunteer who dedicated more than 40 years to the park. Brown Park recently reopened following a multi-million dollar renovation project.
Finally, the Heymann Recreation Complex would be renamed John Leblanc Recreation Complex, in recognition of Leblanc’s decades-long service with the Parks and Recreation Department.
“These individuals have poured countless hours into building and supporting the recreational programs that serve families throughout Lafayette Parish,” Boudreaux said. “It’s time we recognize their legacy in a way that will endure for generations.”
The bills are expected to be heard in committee in the coming weeks. If approved by the legislature, the name changes could take effect later this year.