On Wednesday, March 19, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and District B Councilwoman Luvertha August, along with representatives from the City of Lake Charles Community Services Department, gathered at the former Golden Arms Apartments on 3rd Street to announce a proposal to relocate Purple Heart Recreation Center to the property. 

Purple Heart Recreation Center, currently located on Avenue H at the Chennault campus, was severely damaged by Hurricane Laura in 2020 and has sat vacant since that time. FEMA recently obligated funds to the City of Lake Charles for a complete replacement of the recreation center. 

“Working through the FEMA 428 program, which allows municipalities to take a look at their city and determine the best location to rebuild, we took a holistic look at the City of Lake Charles as it is today. We recognize that an asset like Purple Heart is absolutely needed, but a more centrally located facility would provide us the opportunity to better serve our community,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “Councilwoman Luvertha August was a staunch advocate for returning Purple Heart to service and we are excited to work with her to build a brand-new center very close to neighborhoods and a number of other recreational amenities.” 

The City has entered into talks with the Lake Charles Housing Authority to purchase the Golden Arms property, which is just across the street from the 2nd Avenue Pool, a block away from the 1st Avenue Multi-use Walking Trail and just blocks away from LCB Cougar Stadium and Legion Field.

“With all of the existing recreational amenities already in place in this area, adding Purple Heart Recreation Center really creates a unique recreational complex,” added Luvertha August, District B City Councilwoman. “When people say there is nothing to do, that’s not true. There is plenty to do in District B and this project’s benefits will only extend out into the City as a whole.” 

The project is in the preliminary design phase, but plans for the center include a basketball gym with volleyball capabilities, full weight and aerobics rooms and additional recreational amenities. A mural honoring local Purple Heart recipients will also be featured inside the center.

The City anticipates breaking ground on the project in the fourth quarter of 2025.

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