Parks & Recreation - Parks And Recreation

Whether you’re an avid sports enthusiast or simply want to spend a few moments outdoors enjoying green spaces and sunshine, Baton Rouge will more than fit the bill. There are also parklands nearby maintained by Louisiana State Parks, and even several national heritage parks within a day’s drive. Many of the local parks and recreation facilities are free, but some have fees for certain programs. Jerry L. Stovall, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation, said Baton Rouge’s sports visitors (as spectators or participants) should consider three venues: Louisiana State University, Southern University, or BREC (the Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation Commission) facilities. Golf and tennis tournaments are held at country clubs or BREC parks. There’s also Cypress Mounds, a privately owned sports park on Gardere Avenue. “The newspaper here does a wonderful job of reporting sports,” says Stovall. “If something is going on from the high school level up, you can read about it in The Advocate.”

BREC has one of the most comprehensive programs in the nation. Created by a state legislative act in 1946 as a separate and distinct body to develop, maintain, and operate public park and recreational properties and facilities for all people in East Baton Rouge Parish, BREC is a subdivision of the State of Louisiana and does not operate under city-parish government. You’ll find walking, cycling, football, baseball, golf, tennis, fishing, fitness, and horseback riding. Then there’s coach’s pitch/tee ball, soccer, dodgeball, rugby, softball, swimming, volleyball, walking, track, and a skate park. There are garden walks, swamp strolls, yoga and tai chi classes, and more.

Birding is another popular outdoor activity. A number of parks within the city offer ample opportunity to view birds, as do protected refuges within an easy driving distance. Birding festivals in the area draw visitors who can register for canoe trips and walks with experts into forested areas to view birds.

Whether you plan a visit to a city, state, or national park, keep south Louisiana’s climate in mind. Temperatures can be very high in the summer, and humidity can be high year-round. Early morning visits are best from June through September. Also remember that you are the visitor in these natural settings. Regular inhabitants include birds, squirrels, and creatures that bite and sting, such as fire ants, bees, and mosquitoes. Pack repellent, sun block, and water if you plan on spending time outdoors. You’re not likely to run into an alligator in city parks, but keep an eye out for snakes, both poisonous and nonpoisonous. Bites are rare, but if you are bitten, find help immediately. Six hospitals in Baton Rouge have 24-hour emergency rooms.

Parks & Recreation - Parks And Recreation

Whether you’re an avid sports enthusiast or simply want to spend a few moments outdoors enjoying green spaces and sunshine, Baton Rouge will more than fit the bill. There are also parklands nearby maintained by Louisiana State Parks, and even several national heritage parks within a day’s drive. Many of the local parks and recreation facilities are free, but some have fees for certain programs. Jerry L. Stovall, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation, said Baton Rouge’s sports visitors (as spectators or participants) should consider three venues: Louisiana State University, Southern University, or BREC (the Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation Commission) facilities. Golf and tennis tournaments are held at country clubs or BREC parks. There’s also Cypress Mounds, a privately owned sports park on Gardere Avenue. “The newspaper here does a wonderful job of reporting sports,” says Stovall. “If something is going on from the high school level up, you can read about it in The Advocate.”

BREC has one of the most comprehensive programs in the nation. Created by a state legislative act in 1946 as a separate and distinct body to develop, maintain, and operate public park and recreational properties and facilities for all people in East Baton Rouge Parish, BREC is a subdivision of the State of Louisiana and does not operate under city-parish government. You’ll find walking, cycling, football, baseball, golf, tennis, fishing, fitness, and horseback riding. Then there’s coach’s pitch/tee ball, soccer, dodgeball, rugby, softball, swimming, volleyball, walking, track, and a skate park. There are garden walks, swamp strolls, yoga and tai chi classes, and more.

Birding is another popular outdoor activity. A number of parks within the city offer ample opportunity to view birds, as do protected refuges within an easy driving distance. Birding festivals in the area draw visitors who can register for canoe trips and walks with experts into forested areas to view birds. See the Annual Events chapter.

Whether you plan a visit to a city, state, or national park, keep south Louisiana’s climate in mind. Temperatures can be very high in the summer, and humidity can be high year-round. Early morning visits are best from June through September. Also remember that you are the visitor in these natural settings. Regular inhabitants include birds, squirrels, and creatures that bite and sting, such as fire ants, bees, and mosquitoes. Pack repellent, sun block, and water if you plan on spending time outdoors. You’re not likely to run into an alligator in city parks, but keep an eye out for snakes, both poisonous and nonpoisonous. Bites are rare, but if you are bitten, find help immediately. Six hospitals in Baton Rouge have 24-hour emergency rooms. See the Health Care chapter.