News Howell Park Ribbon Cutting & “Late Night Hype” Celebration Set for June 13

Baton Rouge, LouisianaJun 11, 2025The community is invited to ribbon cutting of the newly redeveloped Howell Community Park on Friday, June 13 at 6:00 PM with a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, followed by an exciting night of family fun during Late Night Hype, running from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

This much-anticipated celebration marks the completion of a multi-year effort to rebuild and reimagine Howell Park following the devastating 2016 flood, which damaged the original 1950s-era recreation center beyond repair. The new 15,500 square-foot recreation center was designed and constructed with resiliency at its core—elevated above base flood elevation and equipped with green infrastructure features including a new pond, rain gardens, bioswales, wet and dry retention, and native wildflowers to improve stormwater management throughout the site. These environmental upgrades not only enhance sustainability but also help prevent future flood damage.

The recreation center includes four configurable meeting and rental rooms that can be combined to accommodate over 200 people, a game room, dedicated space for senior programming, a small warming kitchen, staff offices, a first aid room, a lifeguard station, and modern restrooms.

Outside, the site features a brand-new swimming pool (up to 8 feet deep), a pool bathhouse with showers and changing areas, an upgraded parking lot, an elevated entry plaza connecting the center to the existing playground, and a small amphitheater with seat walls. The project also prepared the elevated building pad for the Inspiration Center, which is now under construction adjacent to the park and will become the future home of the Boys & Girls Club, with completion expected in November 2025.

Following the ribbon cutting, the celebration continues with Late Night Hype, a free, family-friendly community event that opens the park’s new facilities—including the pools and recreation center—to the public until 10:00 PM. This year’s Late Night Hype is centered around swimming and aquatic fun, building on last summer’s basketball-focused event held at Gus Young Park. Both events were inspired by late-night programming in larger cities designed to foster community engagement and reduce crime by offering safe, structured recreational opportunities for youth and families.

Janet Simmons, BREC Interim Superintendent, said, "This event represents more than the opening of a building—it reflects hard work, recovery, and investment in a stronger, more resilient future for the community. Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend, celebrate, and enjoy this new chapter for Howell Community Park."

Event Details: 
What: Howell Park Ribbon Cutting & Late Night Hype 
When: Friday, June 13, 2025 / Ribbon Cutting: 6pm / Late Night Hype: 7pm-10pm 
Where: Howell Community Park - 5509 Winbourne Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70805