Shreveport has 63 parks that are maintained by SPAR. These encompass approximately 2900 plus acres. The maintenance costs for personnel including benefits exceeds $2.5 million annually.
Shreveport's population has been decreasing for several years. At the same time personnel and maintenance costs. like everything else, has been increasing.
There is no doubt that many of the parks are underutilized. And in a day of increasing costs and limited city funds consideration should be considered to closing some of the parks. But then the question is to what to do with the land?
The next question is does Shreveport really need public greenspace and a park along Cross Bayou? What will be the maintenance costs? How much will it be utilized?
Right-sizing city properties, personnel and costs is not a fun exercise. But it is a reality that needs to be addressed. And that includes can the city really afford a Cross Bayou park to maintain?