News BREC Shares Vision for Baker Improvements During Press Conference

Baton Rouge, LouisianaJun 19, 2026BREC officials, City of Baker leadership, community stakeholders and regional partners gathered Friday, June 19, to share a vision for the future of recreation, youth sports and economic development in Baker through a series of proposed investments anchored by the Baker Ballfields project at Baker Park, located at 4331 Jefferson Street. 

The press conference featured remarks from Baker Mayor Darnell Waites, District 2 Councilman Kenney, Mayor-President Sid Edwards, BREC Superintendent Janet Simmons, Angela Harms, BREC Director of Planning & Engineering. 

Mayor Waites and Mayor-President Edwards discussed a shared commitment to strengthening Baker through strategic partnerships and recreation-based economic development. While District 2 Councilman Kenney emphasized creating a brighter future for the next generation.  

Expanding on how recreational opportunities can attract families, visitors, and new economic activity while providing the youth in these communities with the resources, experiences, and support they deserve to succeed. 

Harms presented a detailed overview of the proposed Baker Ballfields project, which was identified as a key project for the community. The presentation highlighted two potential concepts. 

Concept A features two high school-sized baseball fields with artificial turf infields and natural turf outfields, along with two natural grass practice and multi-sport fields. Concept B features one high school-sized baseball field, two youth/softball-sized fields with artificial turf infields and natural turf outfields, and one natural grass practice and multi-sport field.  

Based on stakeholder input and discussions with city leadership, a four-field concept has emerged with the focus being youth & softball league and tournament play as the preferred option moving forward. 

Proposed improvements included more than 80 paved parking spaces with an additional overflow grass parking area capable of accommodating more than 90 vehicles, a paved central gathering plaza, shade sails, seating areas and a photo opportunity feature designed to create a destination experience for athletes and visitors. 

Additional amenities presented included batting cages and warm-up areas, enclosed dugouts, covered spectator seating, a brick backstop wall, protective netting along both baselines, upgraded pedestrian access throughout the site and more.  

The improvements would significantly elevate the appearance and functionality of the area to a modern community sports destination. The project cost is estimated to be between $4M and $5M. Cost estimates will continue to be refined as design progresses.  

Project partners noted that the facility would help address a growing shortage of quality baseball venues in East Baton Rouge Parish. 

Choosing either concept would create opportunities for Baker to host league play, tournaments and travel baseball events that generate visitation and economic activity for local businesses. 

The city views the project as a catalyst for attracting travel sports and league baseball programs while generating additional visitor spending within Baker. 

Many also highlighted the importance of the project's location near the Baker Recreation Center and other community assets, creating opportunities for coordinated recreation programming. The project helps reinforce a broader vision for improving recreational amenities across Baker and creating a stronger identity for parks within the community. 

Attendees also received updates on several other initiatives being explored throughout Baker and the Highway 19 corridor.  

These included improvements near Interstate 110 Exit 8A and the Scotlandville-Baker corridor, future enhancements at South Magnolia Park, transportation and access improvements connected to Greenwood Community Park, and long-range plans associated with recreation center investments and community facilities serving Baker residents. 

At South Magnolia Park, BREC shared conceptual plans that could include a new walking loop, fitness equipment, upgraded playground amenities, basketball court improvements and future lighting enhancements. BREC and the City of Baker Recreation department are continuing conversations on the preferred park in Baker to receive these improvements. Recent updates to the restroom and ballfield at Harding Street Park make it a great option to continue the enhancements.   

A public survey is now open until July 16 to obtain feedback on park amenities.  

Greenwood Community Park updates included DOTD intersection safety improvements along Highway 19, new entry drive access into the park from Lavey Lane, and long-term plans for additional soccer fields, parking and future park development. 

Three of these projects – South Magnolia Park, Baker Ballfields, and the Greenwood Park Entry Drive to Lavey Lane – are team anticipated to have final construction documents by late 2026, with bidding and procurement activities concluding in early 2027. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in spring 2027 and is expected to require approximately 11 to 12 months to complete by Spring 2028. 

The press conference concluded with a Q&A session for media. 

You can find the presentation here.