OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- Renovations to the South City Park in Opelousas are finally getting ready to begin, starting with phase one: renovations of the Donald Gardner Stadium.
The starting line for the renovations is going to be early 2025.
The renovations to the home of the Opelousas High Tigers include new turf on the field, brand-new bleachers, and a total refurbishment of the stadium itself.
In 2023, St. Landry Economic Development told News 10 about the project which aims to bring more visitors to the south city park and boost their economic growth.
Plans for construction would change throughout the year, as delays would present themselves through the city working to gather all necessary supplies and manpower.
The decision was then made to wait until after football season so the defending state champion Tigers could defend their home turf.
As football season sunsets, the focus returns to the South City Park project, which will expand past the stadium to include new basketball courts, volleyball courts, play areas, and a new community center that will replace the abandoned South City Park pool.
Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor said this work is long overdue.
"I'm looking forward to that day. And I think when it happens it's going to be a big, big shot in the arm for the city of Opelousas, and the parish, with all those that are going to be utilizing that upgrade. That's something that's long overdue," Alsandor said.
Alsandor said they're still waiting to set the exact date for the renovations to begin.
