Recreation Center
Transition Plan

A Smarter, More Sustainable Future for BREC Facilities 

BREC’s Imagine Your Parks 3 (IYP3) plan introduces a bold vision to transform how recreation centers serve East Baton Rouge Parish. Many of BREC’s recreation centers are very old and past their useful lives. After many years of wear, rising maintenance costs, and growing community needs, it’s time to reinvest wisely. IYP3 shifts from a one-size-fits-all model to a more focused, flexible approach—delivering high-quality facilities in strategically placed areas of each region of East Baton Rouge Parish. 

What’s Changing? 

A Tiered Model for Recreation Centers 
We’re transitioning to a 3-tiered system: 

  • Tier 1 - Full-Service Community Hubs
    • Our largest and most comprehensive destinations, offering robust programming and amenities that serve wide community areas. Features include an air-conditioned Community Center, Gymnasium, and an Indoor Track.

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  • Tier 2 - Neighborhood Activity Centers
    • Accessible, community-focused facilities designed for self-directed recreation or partner-led programs. Amenities include a Community Center and Outdoor Covered Courts.

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  • Tier 3 - Outdoor Recreation Hubs
    • Open-air spaces built for self-guided activities and small community gatherings. Amenities include Outdoor Covered Courts and newly added restrooms.

                     

Smarter Use of Resources 

Facility Right-Sizing: Some centers' facilities that have reached the end of their useful lives will be repurposed to better serve the surrounding community, without spreading resources too thin. 

Target: At least 14 centers will be repurposed to realign the portfolio of recreation centers to ensure long-term financial sustainability. 

Each region of the parish will have access to a Tier 1 Recreation Center

 

The Main Priorities 

At BREC, the well-being of our community is our top priority. In response to the extreme heat impacting South Louisiana, we are implementing comprehensive heat relief measures—including expanded access to air conditioning, cooling amenities, and other resources designed to provide immediate support and long-term resilience. 

We are also strengthening our security initiatives to ensure the safety of all park users. A safe environment is essential for our parks to thrive and for our communities to feel confident and protected. 

Central to all of our efforts is a strong commitment to equity. Guided by community input gathered through stakeholder sessions and advisory committees, we are prioritizing investment in historically underserved areas with the greatest need. Our approach to equity recognizes that each community is unique—success means providing resources and solutions tailored to what each neighborhood values and will use most. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, we are focused on fairness and delivering meaningful, customized support.

Keep Connected

This transition is not only about buildings—it is about people, equity, and long-term health. We invite you to be part of the conversation as we reimagine recreation for the next generation.