Every organization, be it a business, nonprofit or public agency, eventually faces a critical question: Are we using our resources in the smartest way possible? This question is central to the current discussion surrounding BREC’s evaluation of park properties it has identified as obsolete or underutilized.
This effort is long overdue. For decades, parcels of land across East Baton Rouge Parish have remained designated as “parks” despite being rarely used, duplicated by nearby facilities or no longer serving their original purpose.
Julio Melara is the Chairman, President and CEO of Melara Enterprises and Publisher of Baton Rouge Business Report.
Meanwhile, other parks that residents actively utilize need more investment, better amenities and improved maintenance.
Responsible leadership demands that BREC acknowledge reality and make decisions that strengthen the entire system rather than maintain the status quo. That’s exactly what the BREC Commission is doing by way of a multiyear, data-driven initiative to review its vast portfolio of parks and public land throughout East Baton Rouge Parish and ensure that taxpayer resources are managed responsibly.
The commissioners’ mandate is not merely to preserve every parcel indefinitely, but to maintain and evaluate the recreational value of each asset. When a property is underutilized, they must ask: Could those resources better serve parish residents if invested elsewhere? Often, the answer is yes. Unfortunately, politics have previously stymied action.
What I appreciate about BREC’s reevaluation of its physical footprint is its proposal that proceeds from the sale of any property be reinvested within the same geographic area. This is classic addition by subtraction: strengthening the parks and recreation assets that serve local residents by cutting the costs of maintaining underused public spaces.
This is not about shrinking the park system; it’s about improving it. Another important point often overlooked in the current debate is that this work began years ago, under the previous administration led by former BREC Superintendent Corey Wilson. At that time:
- Roughly half of the more than 50 properties were currently under review had already been identified as obsolete.
- Two properties were successfully sold without controversy.
- Several others had already received approval for disposition by the previous commission.
One of the strengths of this process is its grounding in objective data, not politics or opinion. BREC staff conducted a comprehensive systemwide analysis using consistent criteria across the entire parish. The results revealed that approximately 50 properties meet the criteria for obsolescence or underutilization, spanning multiple Metro Council districts from north Baton Rouge to the south. This issue is systemwide, developed over decades, not isolated to any one neighborhood.
Parks are vital to communities. Green space, recreation and gathering places enhance quality of life and foster community pride. However, strong park systems are not built by holding onto every parcel of land indefinitely. They are built by strategically investing in recreational amenities that people use regularly, creating safe, vibrant spaces for families, children and neighborhoods.
Sometimes, this requires making difficult decisions. It means acknowledging when a piece of land that once served a purpose no longer does. It means mustering the courage to resist political pressure and redirect resources toward the greater good.
For too long we have avoided an honest conversation about how best to eliminate waste and reinvest those resources for maximum impact. It’s time to face reality and chart a new course. When we prioritize quality, efficiency and fiscal responsibility, everyone in our community wins.
