Years of planning moved closer to reality Aug. 26 as officials broke ground on the nearly $4 million Bay Hills Sports Complex.

The state-funded project will bring four 200-foot ball fields, synthetic turf infields, lighting, scoreboards, concessions and spectator areas to the Bay Hills site. Construction is expected to continue through 2027.

Ground broken on nearly $4 million Bay Hills Sports Complex

Officials say long-awaited project will invest in families, youth sports and future growth in Avoyelles

A long-awaited recreational project moved forward Wednesday, Aug. 26, as Avoyelles Parish officials broke ground on the new Bay Hills Sports Complex.

The ceremony was held at the former youth center property next to the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences in the Bay Hills area. Officials, project representatives and community supporters gathered to mark the beginning of the nearly $4 million development.

The groundbreaking program included opening remarks by Avoyelles Parish Police Jury President Darrell Wiley, an opening prayer by Father Blake Deshautelle, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Mansura, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by District 2 Police Juror Travis Franks.

State Rep. Daryl Deshotel also spoke during the ceremony, along with representatives of Pan American Engineers, LLC of Alexandria and Bayou Rapides Corporation of Alexandria.

The groundbreaking follows the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury’s decision in March to award the construction contract to Bayou Rapides Corporation, the lowest of six bidders.

The original contract price is $3,976,160, consisting of the base bid plus Additive Alternate No. 1. Earlier bid documents listed the base bid at $3,567,160 and the additive alternate at $409,000.

According to project information provided to the newspaper by Rhett A. Desselle, PE, CFM, of Pan American Engineers, the contract officially began June 29, 2026, and allows 365 calendar days for construction.

Substantial completion is scheduled for June 29, 2027, with final completion scheduled for Aug. 13, 2027.

The project is funded by the State of Louisiana.

Four-field ballpark

According to additional information provided by Pan American Engineers, the recreational complex will include a four-field ballpark, with each field measuring 200 feet.

The fields will feature synthetic turf infields and bullpens, natural grass outfields with irrigation, tension-netting backstops with brick backstop walls, black vinyl-coated chain-link fencing, scoreboards and field lighting.

The project will also include an approximately 850-square-foot concessions and restroom building constructed of concrete masonry units with brick veneer and a metal-panel roof.

Common areas will include paved interior walkways and cantilevered metal canopies for spectators.

Pan American Engineers said the completed facility is designed to serve Avoyelles Parish residents as well as visitors from surrounding communities.

“An investment in our children”

Avoyelles Parish Police Jury President Darrell Wiley said the project represents far more than a place to play ball.

“This is more than just a sports facility. It is an investment in our children, our families, and the future of Avoyelles Parish. This complex will provide our young people with a place to compete, grow, build friendships, and learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.”

State Rep. Daryl Deshotel also praised the project and pointed to the opportunities it could create for both local families and the parish economy.

“Avoyelles needs to know its worth. This sports complex is a huge step forward for our parish and something generations of families will be able to enjoy. For years, our families have traveled out of town for tournaments, spending entire weekends—and their money—in other communities. Now, we have the opportunity to bring those families, those tournaments, and those dollars right here to Avoyelles Parish. To see something like this happening in our small community and watch our parish continue to grow is incredibly special. It’s something we should all be proud of and support.”

The project represents a major step forward for a development parish leaders and supporters have worked toward for several years.

The Police Jury previously approved an agreement for the nonprofit Building a Better Avoyelles to operate and maintain the complex following construction. Under that agreement, the organization will assume responsibility for insurance, maintenance and daily operations.

For families who traveled for practice, games and tournaments, the project brings more of those opportunities home.