Work starts at long-awaited Rayne Veterans Park

Work has begun on Veterans Park.
Earth-moving equipment was at the site last Thursday morning (July 7), marking the beginning of construction at the long-awaited park.
Begun in concept nearly three years ago, it was only a little less than a year ago that the newly formed “Task Force” assumed the leadership role in planning the memorial to area veterans.
“The task force planned and discussed all of the design possibilities without the expense of hiring an architect or engineer,” said Larry Guidry, chairman. “The process was slow and, actually, each member was very eager to start as soon as possible but (the project) was stopped or diverted at times because of certain city or state rules or laws.”
The concept for the park was first presented to the Rayne City Council at its Sept. 12, 2013, meeting when then-Mayor Roland Boudreaux reported that he planned to meet with American Legion members and other groups regarding a military memorial park to be created at the entrance of Gossen Park.
A week earlier, at the Sept. 6, 2013, meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, then-Commander Gene Comeaux had announced the return of Guidry to the Post, adding that Guidry had contacted city officials for the addition of a veterans memorial park to be erected “somewhere in the city.”
At the council’s Oct. 14, 2013, meeting, Boudreaux presented a proposed sketch of the park at the intersection of Gossen Drive and Oak Street. He also presented a list of factors suggested by architect Mark Lalande.
Lalande’s list included a lighted flagpole, landscaped trees and shrubs, and an effort to place some military equipment at the entrance to the memorial.
On Nov. 15, 2013, Boudreaux and other city officials met with representatives of Post 77 when Boudreaux said he envisioned, a community-wide volunteer committee composed of Legion members as well as representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations, to “plan and steer the design and creation of the site to honor servicemen of all of the nation’s military branches.”
To honor both living and deceased veterans, it was agreed the site would not be dedicated as a “memorial” but called simply “Veterans Park.”
The park project would be chartered with a 501 charitable tax status and funded by private donations, the sale of engraved brick pavers and possibly grant funds.
Because the military park would be funded by private and not public funds, it would be done in phases, possibly over a three-year or longer time span.
A ceremonial ground-breaking event was held on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2014, with city officials and members of the Woodmen of the World, Lions Club, A&O 21st Century Club, Rotary Club and Arceneaux and Henderson Posts represented as committee members.
A subsequent change in city administration interrupted the plans until new Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux, in August, 2015, subsequently named a new “Task Force” composed primarily of American Legion members, to move the project forward.
Other members have since been named to the task force.
“We are now extremely pleased and elated to finally present this first beginning step to the public and in particular to all veterans,” said Guidry.
The Task Force has determined that the deadline for brick sales will be July 29 in order for them to be placed in the first phase of construction. After that, any brick purchased will be placed in the park at a later date.
“We, as always, sincerely ask for your support in purchasing a brick for veterans in your family, and of your friends or acquaintances,” Guidry said. “Veterans, we encourage you to purchase a brick that will be placed in the Veterans Park to honor your brave service to our country. Further, we also request businesses or any individual to contribute to the construction project by making a donation.”