Harlan Kirgan
Two splash pads, one at the Fairground Park and the other at the former Amy swimming pool near Central Middle School, were opened Saturday.
Mayor Scott Fontenot announced the splash pad news at Tuesday’s meeting of the Eunice Board of Aldermen.
They were both packed with kids and adults, he said.
About noon Wednesday, the Fairgrounds pad was busy, but the Amy pad appeared shut down.
The mayor said a 1 1/2-inch water line to the pad is being replaced with a 2-inch line. The pad should reopen Friday.
The pads are to be open seven days a week and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
The city spent about $200,000 on the project using money derived from $450,000 paid by Cleco to the city for signing a 30-year contract during Mayor Rusty Moody’s administration.
Alderwoman Germaine Simpson, who said she got wet when touring the pads Saturday, said Eunice is the only municipality in the parish with splash pads and termed it a “big accomplishment.”
The mayor said a grand opening will be held to celebrate the opening of the splash pads.
In other business, action on three properties in the process that may mean their demolition is delayed.
Vernon McManus, city attorney, said property at 451 N. Beulah St., owned by Donald Freeman, is part of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing.
McManus said he will ask the court to release the property from the bankruptcy proceeding so the city can act.
Bill Thompson, code enforcement officer, said the owner of 350 E. Peach St., Honey Land, LLC, has no objections to the city demolishing the structure. The Board voted to proceed with demolition.
Johnny Anderson, owner of a building at 560 Lewis St., is being asked to provide written proof if his plan for the property and to board the property up within 30 days.
Other business included:
— Authorizing the city attorney to prepare a lease agreement with Randy Miller for the greenhouse by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
— Appointed Andrew Hickerson to the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board for a three-year term.
— Approved liquor license applications from Carmen and Lubna Shalabi doing business as Pop Food & Liquor, 1013 E. Laurel Ave.; and Kevin and Erica Richard doing business as Nick’s on 2nd, 123 S. 2nd St.
— Introduced an ordinance modeled after one in Lafayette to govern door-to-door sales.