City officials, community leaders and project partners gathered Thursday, April 9, to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Lock Park Transformation Project, a major step toward creating the City’s first fully inclusive playground designed for children and families of all abilities.
Mayor Marshall Simien was joined by elected officials and representatives from LyondellBasell and Families for Inclusion to mark the beginning of construction on the long-envisioned project.
“For more than a century, Lock Park has been a cherished part of our community,” said Mayor Simien. “Today, we honor that legacy while building something even greater, a space where every child and every family feels welcome, included and able to play together.”
Located at the intersection of Ryan Street, 7th Street and Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive, Lock Park was originally donated to the City in 1917 by Ellen Martha Goos Lock in memory of her husband, Captain George Lock, with the condition that it always remain a public park.
After sustaining significant damage during Hurricanes Laura and Delta, the City saw an opportunity not just to rebuild, but to reimagine Lock Park as a more inclusive and innovative public space.
The Lock Park Transformation goes beyond basic accessibility standards, incorporating community-driven design elements that support a wide range of physical, sensory and developmental needs.
Phase one features include:
  • A wheelchair-accessible swing allowing users to remain in their chair
  • Rubberized safety surfacing for improved mobility
  • A roller slide designed to minimize static for children with cochlear implants
  • Calming color palettes to reduce sensory overload
  • Ground-level play elements such as musical instruments and communication boards
The project was designed with input from the community in partnership with Carbo Architects, ensuring the space reflects the needs of the families it will serve.
Partners like LyondellBasell have played a key role in helping bring this vision to life, driven by a shared commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for all families.
“At LyondellBasell, we believe strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to belong and participate,” said Tim Carnell, Louisiana Regional Site Manager for LyondellBasell. “Supporting projects like Lock Park is one way we’re committed to helping create everyday solutions that improve quality of life in the communities where our employees and their families live, work and play.”
The groundbreaking follows the 2025 completion of the reconstructed historic Lock Park Pavilion, which was rebuilt after storm damage with support from FEMA funding. The facility now meets modern ADA standards and provides accessible restrooms for all visitors.
Once completed, Lock Park will be the first fully inclusive playground of its kind in the City of Lake Charles, a space where children of all abilities can play side by side and families can connect in a welcoming environment.
“This project represents what’s possible when community, history and purpose come together,” Simien said. “Lock Park will stand as a symbol of inclusion for generations to come.”
Lake Charles-based PERC Development, LLC is the project contractor and is set to mobilize in May 2026. The project is expected to be complete in February 2027. Future phases of the park’s transformation include rehabilitation of the Lock Park Caretaker’s Cottage to house tenants providing services to the special needs community and an adult changing station.
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