Angela Harms

This document, BREC's IYP3 Parish-Wide Strategic plan [the Guide] 2025-2028, outlines the strategic direction and priorities for BREC. It details ongoing and planned projects, partnerships, stakeholder engagement strategies, obsolete land management, and a Recreation Center Transition Plan. The plan is guided by five core principles: Equity, Community, Environment, Connectivity, and Sustainable Portfolio, aiming to enhance the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of parks and recreation services for the community of East Baton Rouge.

This document provides an overview of BREC's past achievements and outlines its strategic direction for the future within East Baton Rouge Parish. It emphasizes providing diverse recreational opportunities, fostering youth development through programs like Youth 360 and summer camps, promoting community well-being, conserving natural resources, and advocating for social equity. Future commitments include wise use of taxpayer dollars, innovation in recreational programs, maintaining high standards for parks and facilities, ensuring community-wide access, expanding trail networks, and leveraging partnerships for a healthier and more vibrant community.

Key discussions during the meeting included changes to the Consent Calendar wording regarding Routine Personnel Transactions. The Superintendent's Report covered the December 2025 attendance, community engagement, volunteer incentives, updates on the 2024 Audit, progress on top projects including workforce reduction (approximately 10% elimination), and park safety and security updates via a new in-house security operations center. The Human Resources Standing Committee section addressed several New Business items: revisions to the Attendance and Attendance Point System Policy were deferred; approval was granted for revisions to the Pay Plan Merit Increase eligibility concerning 'Needs Improvement' ratings; revisions to Chapter 6 -- Service Ratings to establish four rating levels and penalize supervisors for late reviews were approved; and the proposed Progressive Discipline Policy was approved, with a stipulation to contact the Louisiana Civil Service Commission for information regarding their former policy. Additionally, the Commission approved the classification and associated pay grades for the new Barn Manager and Assistant Barn Manager roles. Under Selection of Professionals, the award of RFP 240 for Security Guard Services at the Baton Rouge Zoo to Lofton Security Service, Inc. was approved. The meeting concluded with the election of officers by acclamation (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer) and the approval of amended bylaws.

The meeting included a public comment section, after which the minutes from the April 25th commission meeting were approved. The consent calendar was also approved. Presentation topics covered various upcoming recreational events in June, such as a luau, a children's triathlon, a flag tournament, a father-daughter dance, Father's Day on the fairway, Father's Day at the zoo, an amateur radio field day, and a golf championship. A report on the BREC Foundation highlighted significant contributions and ongoing strategic initiatives, including the Capital Area Pathways project and planning for a new zoo elephant exhibit. The Capital Projects update detailed progress on numerous construction efforts, including Anna T Jordan Recreation Center, Expressway Park trail integration, Highland Road playground and splash pad design, Independence Botanic Garden cafe building construction, demolition of an old fair building, sinkhole repairs at Beaver Creek, progress on the CAP Trail, and the completion of College Town Park and Brooks and Howell Pools. A critical issue was raised regarding circulation problems and a main drain pipe hole at Gus Young Pool, potentially preventing its opening for the summer. The Finance Committee report covered various fund statuses, noting a deficit in the General Fund but overall better performance than in the past, surpluses in several other funds, and the completion of the Perkins Road Gym project. The committee also recommended staff proceed with a pilot program.

This strategic plan, presented as a project portfolio, highlights BREC's major flagship initiatives for the 2026-2028 period, derived from its IYP3 Parish-Wide Strategic Plan. It details capital improvement projects, a strategic transition to a tiered model for recreation centers, key greenway development projects, and a process for managing obsolete land. The plan aims to guide project implementation, enhance recreational facilities, and establish a more sustainable park portfolio.