Caddo Parish, LA – On Wednesday, August 30, Caddo Parish administration and the Caddo Parish Commission welcomed local officials and community partners to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new state-of-the-art Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Center, to be located on the former grounds of the Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park in north Caddo Parish.
“This project will transform our former Nature Center into a more dynamic and interactive educational facility that will benefit our entire region,” said Caddo Parish Administrator and CEO Erica R. Bryant. “We are beyond thankful to the citizens of Caddo Parish for allowing us to embark upon this project that will undoubtedly enhance the quality of life here in Caddo Parish and beyond,” said Bryant.
The parish is razing the existing nature facility to make way for a 24,000 square foot complex that will feature over 12,000 square feet of interactive exhibit and classroom space and gift shop, a 2,500 square foot bird aviary, and an additional 8,000 square feet of full-service event space that can be used for weddings, receptions, conferences, and a host of other events.
“The construction of the new Walter B. Jacobs Facility will expand our ability to reach our citizens, children and groups of all ages,” said Caddo Parish parks and recreation director Patrick Wesley. “The Walter B. Jacobs facility is one of our most popular park offerings, with some events bringing in over 2,000 attendees at a time. When completed, this upgrade will allow us to more comfortably host Caddo Parish residents and visitors from around the region,” said Wesley.
The Walter B. Jacobs rehabilitation project was approved by Caddo Parish residents in the Fall of 2022. The project’s main design team consists of TBA Studio (Architect); and Lincoln Builders (Contractor).
The estimated project completion date is Summer 2025.