West Monroe Parks & Recreation

09/08/2026

Grab your gloves and join us Saturday, September 12, from 8–11 a.m. for the 2026 Ouachita Parish Water Sweep! Volunteers across Ouachita Parish will come together to help clean up our waterways, parks and riverbanks and keep our community beautiful.

📍 West Monroe Parks & Recreation locations participating in this year’s Water Sweep include:
• Black Bayou Canal
• Highland Park
• Lazarre Park
• Restoration Park

Whether you’re helping from the shoreline or bringing a boat or kayak to lend a hand on the water, we’d love to have you join us! Volunteers will also be needed along the riverbanks.

Saturday, September 12 | 8–11 a.m.

Register to volunteer at http://ouachitagreen.org/volunteer.

Help us make a difference and show some love to the parks and waterways that make our community such a special place! 💚🌊

09/04/2026

We encourage the public to participate in next Saturday's Water Sweep cleanup and help remove litter from some of our local waterways. 💦

We'll have cleanups in several West Monroe parks and recreation areas including Lazarre Park, Restoration Park and Highland Park Wetland Trails.

09/04/2026

Just one month until the annual Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival 💚🧡

We can't wait to see you at Lazarre Park on Saturday, October 3!

We’re officially ONE MONTH from the 2026 Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival! 🍀

Join us Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lazarre Park for a full day of Celtic culture, live entertainment, Highland Games, artisan vendors, delicious food, children’s activities, Highland cows and so much more!

There are still opportunities to be part of this beloved community tradition:
🍀 Interested in becoming a festival sponsor?
🎨 Are you an artist, maker or vendor offering original handmade work or Celtic-themed merchandise?

Email [email protected] for sponsorship information or to submit a vendor inquiry. Artisan-vendor inquiries should include photos of your work and a brief description of what you offer.

Mark your calendars and get ready for one of Northeast Louisiana’s favorite fall traditions!

09/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Kiroli Park Lodge this morning for the “Bring Back Kiroli” Community Breakfast!

Guests heard from West Monroe Mayor Staci Albritton Mitchell, Kiroli Park Manager Katie McClinton and Director of Event Facilities Chris Post about the park’s recovery following Winter Storm Fern and the exciting work ahead.

Most importantly, the morning gave us an opportunity to listen. We are grateful for the thoughtful conversations and constructive feedback shared about what our community hopes to see as Kiroli Park begins its next 100 years.

Kiroli is your community park, and your ideas will help shape its future. We invite you to continue sharing your ideas with the Kiroli Foundation by emailing mailto:[email protected] or calling the Kiroli Park office at (318) 396-4016.

Thank you to the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce for helping make this morning possible, and thank you to everyone who continues to support this special place. If you would like to donate to the Kiroli Foundation and help our parks continue to grow, simply scan the QR code included in the graphic. 💚🌳

09/02/2026

Kiroli Park is open once again—but reopening the gates is only the beginning of its next chapter. 🌳

Hear from West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce President Kris Kelley about an important opportunity for our entire community to come together and help shape the future of one of West Monroe’s most treasured places.

Thursday September 3, the City of West Monroe, West Monroe–West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce and Kiroli Foundation will host the “Bring Back Kiroli” Community Breakfast. As Kiroli Park begins its next chapter, we are inviting residents, businesses and community organizations to share their ideas and learn how they can contribute their time, talents and resources toward making the park’s next 100 years its best yet.

Kiroli Park belongs to this community, and its future will be built by the people who love it. We hope you’ll join us, be part of this important conversation and help us dream about what comes next.

📍Thursday, September 3 | Kiroli Park Lodge, 820 Kiroli Road

☕ Coffee and networking begin at 8 a.m., with the program to follow

Registration is free! Find more information and register online at https://www.westmonroechamber.org/event-detail/MwDV3vS%7C_Yqcxs2Ji7bX1A2/community-breakfast-bring-back-kiroli

09/01/2026

T-SHIRT DEADLINE: TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT! 🚨🛶

Ready to join the Rat Pack? Register for the 10th Annual River Rat Paddle Challenge by 11:59 p.m. tonight, September 1, to guarantee your official event T-shirt!

The River Rat Paddle Challenge returns Saturday, September 19, with two ways to hit the Ouachita River—the full 7.7-mile race or the shorter, non-timed Mini Mouse Paddle. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are welcome, with options for paddlers of all experience levels!

Proceeds benefit the Kiroli Foundation and the Academy of Collaborative Education. Don’t miss tonight’s shirt deadline—register now!

🔗 Register here: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=432758

General registration remains open through September 14, but participants must register by midnight tonight to guarantee an event T-shirt.

08/28/2026

It was a great morning at Kiroli Park! ☀️

Thank you to the West Monroe–West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce for bringing Member Morning to the park and featuring Ouachita Green! These gatherings are a great opportunity to connect local businesses and community organizations while highlighting the people and initiatives making a difference in our community.

We’re especially glad to be back enjoying mornings like this at Kiroli Park. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Ouachita Green for all you do to help keep our community clean, beautiful and green! 🌿

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day to our favorite furry friends! 🐾🐶

We hope you and your pup will celebrate with a visit to the Raising Cane’s Dog Park at Kiroli Park! Remember to bring water, take breaks in the shade and keep your pet safely leashed when enjoying our other City parks.

Share your favorite dog park pictures with us in the comments—we’d love to see them! 💚📸

08/26/2026

It’s Gar Rodeo week!!🙌🎉

Anglers from across the region are heading to West Monroe August 28–29 for a weekend of competition, community and celebrating the Ouachita River. With pole fishing, jug fishing, catfish and bowfishing divisions for youth and adults, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Thank you to our title sponsor, The Honey Hole Tackle Shop, where anglers can pick up registration packets and find the supplies they need to land a big one.

Make your plans, gather your crew and get registered for the West Monroe Gar Rodeo!!

Register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-monroe-gar-rodeo-tickets-1992022773740

08/25/2026

Help us shape the next chapter of Kiroli Park! 🌳

The City of West Monroe, West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce and Kiroli Foundation invite the community to “Bring Back Kiroli” during a free Community Breakfast on Thursday, September 3.
As Kiroli Park reopens, we want our community to be part of its next 100-year journey. Join us to learn how you or your organization can contribute time, talents, resources or ideas to help Kiroli continue growing and serving generations to come.

📅 Thursday, September 3
☕ Coffee and networking begin at 8 a.m.
📍 Kiroli Park Lodge, 820 Kiroli Road

Registration is free! Scan the QR code on the graphic to reserve your spot.