Officials at the ribbon cutting of the Torres Park Gazebo included St. Bernard Public Works Resident Inspector Diana Goin, Natalie Forbes with Principal Engineering, St. Bernard President Craig Taffaro, St. Bernard District A Councilman Ray Lauga, St. Bernard Recovery Director Mike Dorris Jr., St. Bernard Facility Maintenance Supervisor Steve LeRouge, St. Bernard Chief Administrative Officer David Dysart, FEMA Public Assistance Officer Eddie Williams, and CDM Project Manager Terry Lopez, all shown above.

Officials met in Torres Park for the ribbon cutting on one of the parks newest amenities: a large gazebo overlooking what will be the park’s waterway. Both President Craig Taffaro and Councilman Ray Lauga were out for the event that included contractors, parish workers and FEMA representatives.

There was a separate ceremony for the Boat House on the lake as well. Once the work on the lake is completed, residents will be able to rent pedal boats from a pier that will also be constructed in Torres Park.

“I’m excited about adding amenities we didn’t have before Katrina,” said District A Councilman Ray Lauga. “These are the kinds of things that bring people in.”

The Torres Park’s updates were undertaken with FEMA funding to address damage from Katrina. The plans for the park include the bait shop and pedal boat rental facilities, the dock, two gazebos, new children’s playground equipment, tables and benches for the park, and a stocked fish pond, complete with fountains.

The parish reports that $1,247,000 in Torres Park renovations are underway and should be completed by mid-July.