BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)- The new Erie Street Eco Park in north Baton Rouge is officially open. The park is the beginning of an effort to improve the area.
The Erie Street Eco Park aims to turn a once-forgotten corner of Baton Rouge into a green space for all to enjoy.
This eco park is all about using nature to heal nature. From Native Plants to a water reservoir and much more.
“Isn’t this beautiful?” asked Republic Services General Manager Sharon Mann as she looked around and admired the new park.
Mann said this transformation on Erie Street was long overdue.
“I grew up not far from here and was born and raised in North Baton Rouge. It is a blighted little corner area, and to see this, it’s just beautiful,” she said.
Mann didn’t just see the need; she stepped in to help make it happen, contributing to the funding and planning. Mann’s employer, Republic Services, played a large role in funding the eco park.
“This is a part of the job that we love to do. We want to help work in the community, whether it’s parks or helping to clean up areas,” said Mann.
Meanwhile, Councilwoman Carolyn R. Coleman sees this park as an investment in the future, especially for the next generation.
“You’re talking about exposure, bringing children to this to show them what this is all about,” said Coleman.
With new green space, fresh planters, and plenty of local support, the Erie Street Eco Park is now open.
It will be open throughout the week from sunrise to sunset and is free to the public.
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