New sports and educational complex in the works in the municipality of Avoyelles

BUNKIE, La. (CALF) – After securing $15 million for District 28 roads and infrastructure, state Rep. Daryl Deshotel (R-District 28)’s next project is to convert the Picard Educational and Recreational Center in Bunkie into the Avoyelles Parish Educational and Sports Complex.

Currently, the 160-acre campus can accommodate youth groups, business and professional associations, and religious organizations through the Office of Juvenile Justice.

Plans for the Avoyelles Parish Education and Sports Complex in Bunkie, La.(Courtesy of State Representative Daryl Deshotel)

“Avoyelles is an agricultural community that is the engine of our economy, and it is time for us to look beyond agriculture and see if there are other things,” Deshotel said. “I think this is a great opportunity to bring people from all over the state to visit our community. Not only will it be good for our residents and our local children, but it will also be good for our tax base.”

Deshotel was accompanied by Louisiana House of Representatives Speaker Phillip Devillier (R-District 41) as he traveled across the state to visit state representatives and learn about their priorities.

“It will be very helpful when we go back to Baton Rouge to draft policies according to each member’s priorities and make sure that we work together to bring everyone in the state together and just see what we can do to move Louisiana forward. “,” he said.

After receiving funding for the sports complex, Deshotel said the facility would be used for more than just athletics.

“We plan to add an educational component to this complex,” he said. “We will be able to provide tutoring after school. We can complete various courses. It will be more of a community-based facility, not just a sports and recreation complex. Here we can carry out health examinations. We will have a digital library here.”

Deshotel said it is awaiting a final plan and expects it to be ready for tender in the first quarter of 2025.

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