News BREC to Celebrate Alsen Park Playground & Improvements with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on October 12

Baton Rouge, LouisianaOct 01, 2026BREC will celebrate the completion of the Alsen Park Playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community celebration on Monday, October 12, at 10 a.m. The public is invited to join BREC, community leaders, project partners and Alsen neighbors for the celebration. 

WHAT: Alsen Park Playground Ribbon Cutting and Celebration 

WHEN: Monday, October 12, 2026, 10 a.m. (guest arrival begins at 9:30 a.m.) 

WHERE: Alsen Park Playground, 601 Old Rafe Mayer Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70807 

The event will mark the completion of improvements designed to create a more connected, comfortable and welcoming experience for Alsen families and park visitors. The celebration will include remarks from BREC and community leaders, ribbon cutting, opportunities to explore the new playground and park improvements, snowballs, and a hands-on planting activity for children. 

"With additional shade, garden beds for all ages, a new pavilion, and safer walkways, we have created a space where children can play, and neighbors can connect. We're grateful to the Alsen community for helping shape it and to everyone who made it possible," said Dr. Brooks Williams, BREC Superintendent. 

Project Improvements 

The Alsen Park project includes several improvements designed to enhance recreation, gathering and connectivity throughout the park: 

• A new playground to encourage active play, exercise & movement 

• Increased shade to provide a more comfortable environment for children and families 

• Raised garden beds to encourage interaction and learning across generations 

• A new pavilion that provides a covered gathering space and serves as a focal point for the park 

• Approximately 600 feet of new sidewalks creating a safer walking loop and improving connections between the parking area, recreation center, and playground 

Planning and design for the improvements began in 2023 and included a community open house and public survey period, providing opportunities for residents to share their input on the future of the park. 

District 2 Councilman, Anthony Kenney, said, “Investing in our neighborhood parks means investing in the quality of life of our families. I’m excited to see these improvements coming to the Alsen community and grateful to BREC for continuing to prioritize modern, safe, and welcoming recreational spaces in District 2. Our residents deserve parks they can be proud of, and this project is another example of progress reaching every part of our community. 

Community Celebration 

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees will be invited to explore the new playground and park improvements, take photos and enjoy refreshments. Children can also participate in a hands-on planting activity in the new garden beds led by volunteers. 

A Park with Deep Roots

Alsen is a historic, unincorporated African American community established in 1872 for freedmen following the Civil War. BREC acquired the land for Alsen Park in 1981 and began making improvements to the property in that decade. Today, the park serves as an important community gathering and recreation space, with a recreation center, baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, walking paths and raised garden beds. The latest improvements build on that history while creating additional opportunities for families and neighbors to gather, play and connect. 

Project Partners 

The project was led by BREC Planning & Engineering, which also served as the design team, with support from BREC Park Operations. Construction was completed by Hill Construction, LLC, with landscaping by Francise Horticultural Services, Inc. 

The Alsen Park Playground project reflects BREC's continued investment in improving neighborhood parks and creating welcoming spaces where residents can play, gather and enjoy the outdoors.