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Mouton Park attracts major League players

The Junior League of Lafayette, along with a little help from Lafayette Consolidated Government, rebuilt and replaced outdated playground structures at Mouton Park on Center Street.

Monday, April 1, 2013

The Junior League of Lafayette, along with a little help from Lafayette Consolidated Government, rebuilt and replaced outdated playground structures at Mouton Park on Center Street.

League spokeswoman Hope Hebert says Playground Project, which sticks true to the organization's mission of serving families in Lafayette, is one way the league chose to celebrate turning 55 this year.

Photos by Kari Walker

Junior League of Lafayette members, from left, Pamela LaFleur, Hope Hebert
and Kelli Broussard join local children to unveil Playground Project,
the nonprofit's major overhaul of Mouton Park on Center Street.

"Everybody thought this was something to do because it would leave a lasting legacy," Hebert says. "Their children's children could enjoy this 30 years from now."

Mouton Park, centrally located not only in walking distance from neighborhoods but also local schools, previously had only slides and swingsets, both of which were in poor condition. The league views the project as a way to promote another important issue - getting kids active and healthy.

Thanks to Playground Project, Mouton Park now features two multi-feature play structures with slides, monkey bars and a rock climbing wall, four swing sets and equipment specific to special needs children. The improvements to playground equipment mirror the 2010 updates to Girard Park.

The Junior League funded this project with money raised by its successful annual holiday market, Tinsel and Treasures, and sales of award-winning cookbooks such as Talk about Good and Something To Talk About.

The league unveiled the updates as part of its 55th anniversary with a community and volunteer celebration Saturday, March 23, at the park, which is located at 803 Center St. in Lafayette. - Kari Walker