The Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA) recently honored the City of Lake Charles with the prestigious Community Achievement Award at its 87th Annual Convention held in Shreveport, August 1-3.

 

The City received the award in the Community Development Category for the recently completed Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park.

 

The award recognizes outstanding achievements in public transportation, citizen participation, public buildings, main street improvements, development plans, parks and recreation, beautification, promotion of community projects, strategic planning, or cultural enrichment.  

Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park, located at 702 Enterprise Blvd., was constructed between March 2023 and November 2023 in the heart of the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District.  

Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park pays homage to the jazz singer and performer, someone who has meant so much to the fabric of this community. The stage is outlined with piano keys, Nellie’s instrument of choice. The site also includes special landscaping features and connectivity for food trucks, making this an ideal location to host community events.

“The addition of Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park to the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District has been an absolute win and we are honored to see the project receive this esteemed recognition from LMA,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “Since its completion we’ve seen the inaugural Nellie Fest and several other special events take place in the park. We look forward to many more cultural, family and community events which will activate this gem in the heart of our beautiful City.”

Lutcher’s family home was located on Enterprise Boulevard. She attended Second Ward School and was a member of New Sunlight Baptist Church. The sites of her home, school and church, are all within walking distance of the park. She hit the road as a teenager to go on tour with her father’s band, the Southern Rhythm Boys and her career took her to the bigger market of Los Angeles, CA, where she experienced much success and worldwide acclaim. In 2007, Lutcher passed away at the age of 94 in Los Angeles.

“Seeing Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park come to life with music, activities and more has been a dream come true,” added District B Councilwoman Luvertha August. “This addition is yet another step to honoring this corridor’s famed cultural roots. I look forward to the start of construction of the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, just across the street from Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park. Bright days are here for the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District!”

To learn more about Nellie Lutcher Park, or to book and event in the park, call (337) 491-1280 or email parks@cityoflc.us. 

Citizens can keep up with City of Lake Charles news at www.cityoflakecharles.com and www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesLouisiana.