2007 Highlights

  • The Foundation completed agreements between the BREC Foundation, BREC and the family of the late Van Wilson (climbing boulder in Perkins Road Park-$4,378.50), the agreement between the BREC Foundation, BREC and Raising Cane’s (dog park in City Park-$50,000.00), and the agreement between the BREC Foundation, BREC and Capital One (tennis center in City Park-$125,000.00).  Each involves a naming right and a matching appropriation from BREC. 
  • Further, the cooperative endeavor agreement between the Foundation, BREC and the Baton Rouge Soccer Association whereby BRSA donated $750,000 to the Burbank Soccer Complex was finalized.  
  • The Commercial Properties Corporate Advised Fund of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation granted $10,000 for fishing piers and interpretive signage at Blackwater Conservation Area. 
  • The children’s playground at City Park project was identified as grant recipient by Entergy and Irene W. and C. B. Pennington Family Foundation; each group approved $10,000.00.
  • The Reilly Family Foundation has provided $10,000 for technology equipment for the Teen Center at Belfair Park. 
  • The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation gave $9,900.00 for geocaching at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.
  • The new Walmart neighborhood market at Highland & Lee donated $11,500 for stretching equipment at Baton Rouge Beach as part of their grand opening.
  • On the state level, the Foundation targeted increased construction funding for state capital outlay projects for Anna T. Jordan Recreation Center ($1,950,000) and Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center ($2,400,000) and on new requests: Gus Young/Howell Parks Improvements ($3,395,000) Land Acquisitions, Community Sport Parks and Historic Site ($815,000). We have continued working with members of the Legislature and Governor’s office to have projects included in bond sales which have occurred since the legislative session.  Requests have been submitted for new projects for 2008.  In addition we followed legislation related to BREC and parks and recreation and related projects throughout parish. The Foundation co-sponsored with the Baker and Zachary Chambers of Commerce a legislative breakfast.
  • Appropriation requests were submitted to Senator Mary Landrieu and Congressman Richard Baker to acquire a piece of property (“Butte Cannell”-$500,000.00); “Trails for Health” at five community parks (North Sherwood Forest, Independence, J. S. Clark, Howell and Highland-$275,000.00 each for a total of $1,375,000.00); and “Field of Dreams” an interactive ball field surface for people with disabilities-$500,000.00.  We have spearheaded conversations with Congressman Baker’s office regarding reimbursement for expenses related to hurricane recovery; this legislation has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate. The Foundation completed the approval process for a $297,600.00 HUD grant for 717 Convention Street. 
  • The Foundation hosted the inauguration of the Capital Area Pathways Project (CAPP) and continues to play a support role in that initiative.
  • At the end of 2007, the Foundation finalized agreements with The Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation for a gift of $50,000 for work at Airline Highway Park and $14,440 from Watco Construction for a project at City Park.  In addition, ExxonMobil committed $50,000 towards the improvements in Greenwood Park.