Inspired by my own children's love for play and water during the scorching summer days, I'd like to call attention to an issue deeply felt by many families in the Blanchard and northern Caddo parish areas. None of our trips to Richard Fleming, Earl Williamson or similar parks in the area could alleviate the need for water play amenities in our vicinity- particularly, a splash pad. The need to drive across town, sometimes even to a different city, to find a splash pad becomes increasingly inconvenient.

Other small towns such as Haughton, Minden, and even Waskom have a splash pad at their local park, why can’t we have one here in Blanchard, Mooringsport, Oil City, Vivian or even Gilliam or Belcher? Don’t we as tax paying citizens deserve something for our children to enjoy during the summer too?

A splash pad at our local park isn't just a frivolous proposition; it has several benefits. Access to water play areas is known to have a positive impact on children's physical health and development. According to a study by the Alliance for Childhood, free play, including water play, contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth! We need to get our kids off the couch playing video games and get them outside playing and soaking up some sunshine!

There is Richard Fleming Park in Blanchard/North Shreveport, Edwin Tuttle Currie Park in Mooringsport, Earl G Williamson Park in Oil City, and Noah Tyson park in Rodessa. The addition of a splash pad to any one of these parks mentioned would serve a significant percentage of the young population in northern Caddo Parish. With this project, we're not just enriching our children's experiences, but fostering community bonds, enhancing our park's attractability, and potentially boosting local property value. After all, recent studies have concluded that parks offering more amenities can see increased property values nearby.

Our families deserve a local park that caters to all needs, in all seasons, including the hot Louisiana summer. Let's add a splash pad to Richard Fleming Park or Earl Williamson Park–  our children and our community deserve something nice and something they can be proud of. They deserve a safe, fun place to enjoy without driving miles and miles to find, they deserve one right in their own local community! 

Join this cause by signing the petition. Encourage the parish to create a place where our children can cool off from the summer heat and enjoy their childhood playtime making memories with their family and friends.