City officials in Jeanerette respond to controversy over recent park closures
JEANERETTE, La. (KLFY) -- City officials in Jeanerette are speaking out for the first time after the announcement of all city parks closing causes backlash from some residents. A party was held at Ward Eight Recreational Center this weekend, causing controversy over if all city parks were really closed for everyone.
Carol Bourgeois, mayor of Jeanerette, says the people who held the party weren't notified of the parks being closed.
"The people that were scheduled for that little skate party did not get the information that the parks were being closed, so it was a blunder on our part, there was a miscommunication," said Bourgeois.
When asked about a park picnic that was supposed to take place on Sunday, he says the event was cancelled for precautions.
"We had some pretty good information some individuals might try to use the party as a means of causing problems," Bourgeois explained.
Dusty Vallot, Jeanerette police chief, advises residents to notify the department if they plan to hold any events in the city parks moving forward.
"If they can give us, they gonna be in the park on such and such date, we're gonna try to make sure they have ample security to make sure everyone's safe," said Vallot.
Mayor Bourgeois says all city parks are now open as of today.