Parks & Recreation - Parks And Recreation
Most locals will tell you the same thing: if you love hunting, fishing, high school sports, and outdoor events like golf, then Shreveport–Bossier City will leave you in a state of perpetual bliss. While the area does offer both the visitor and resident many more options for what to do with one’s leisure time, it cannot be denied that much excitement can be found in the great outdoors.
Dividing your outdoor options into clearly defined categories may prove difficult: many parks offer great fishing opportunities, bird-watching, playing fields, and hiking trails, while several local golf courses provide picturesque settings for photographers to hone their skills. For this reason, parks will be described first, with all their various amenities mentioned. The second category, Water, will describe the different waterways in the region and options for fishing, boating, and local aquatic tours. The Hunting section will highlight the two most frequented public areas to engage in this popular sport and provide information about obtaining the appropriate license. The final section, Recreation, will focus on different venues for a variety of sports, including golf and swimming.
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 4009 Youree Dr.
2. Airport Park And Community Center
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (318) 673-7803
Address: 6500 Kennedy Dr.
Description: This facility, opened in 1986, continues to present its guests the best opportunities for indoor and outdoor sports and social activities. Seniors might come to the domino room or brush up on their computer skills, while their grandchildren shoot hoops at the indoor basketball court, swim in the huge pool, play doubles on one of the six tennis courts, or engage in “America’s pastime” on two lighted softball fields. An exercise and weight room is also located at this 39-acre complex. Open Mon through Fri, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sat from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 3901 Fairfield Ave.
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
5. Ford Park
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (318) 673-7727
Address: 5784 S. Lakeshore Dr.
Description: Come enjoy fishing off the pier at Cross Lake, known for its largemouth bass. This 85-acre site hosts two ball fields, two tennis courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, a walking trail, and pier. Newly completed restrooms have added to the popularity of this shoreline pleasure zone. Named after John McWilliams Ford, mayor of Shreveport from 1918 to 1922 who also served as finance commissioner from 1930 until his death in 1965, making him the longest-serving elected official in the city’s history.
6. Milton James “Hookie” Cameron Memorial Park
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (318) 929-2806
Address: 10500 Wallace Lake Rd.
Description: A very small (1 acre) park primarily used to launch boats although a few picnic tables are located on the property. Wallace Lake is known for its great stock of crappie. A large parking area is provided. Open 24 hours to fishers.
7. Municipal Pier And Boat Launch
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (318) 673-7245
Address: 2900 Municipal Pier Rd.
Description: Family fun for all at this popular access point for Cross Lake. Before slipping your boat into the water, enjoy a picnic lunch while the children make use of the playground facilities.
8. P. B. S. Pinchback Park
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (318) 929-2806
Address: 7903 Jefferson Paige Rd.
Description: A neighborhood park of 110 acres, Pinchback provides its visitors a ball field, covered picnic sites with grills, a basketball court for picking a game or two, and an asphalt walking or jogging course that encircles the park. A popular location for birthday parties and reunions of all types. Open seven days a week from dawn until dusk.
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 2283 Bert Kouns
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 7919 West Lakeshore Dr.
11. Riverview Park
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 601 Clyde Fant Pkwy
Description: Located directly on the Red River, this park has a water “sprayground” for kids of all ages. Flowers and plants highlight the natural beauty of the area. Pole lamps are topped with rose-shaped lights, adding a lovely ambience to an evening stroll. Very popular spot for an alfresco lunch with workers downtown when the weather is nice.
12. Robert A. Nance Park
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (318) 929-2866
Description: A 20-acre park quite similar to Noah Tyson Park in terms of features, including a boat ramp. Also located on Black Bayou Lake. After your visit you will understand why Louisiana is known as the sportsman’s paradise. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
13. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (318) 371-3050
Description: Managed as a waterfowl refuge, this 2,500-acre site provides excellent hiking and bird-watching. Originally a lake that experienced seasonal flooding during the late winter and spring, this area is now home to the Wetlands Enhancement Project, which seeks to provide migrating waterfowl and nesting wood ducks a place to call home. While some of the hiking trails are managed, others are not, offering a variety of challenges. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the area, although biking is acceptable. No camping is permitted. Located north of Shreveport; take Highway 1 and turn right onto Dixie Blanchard Road (LA 173). Park in the designated areas along LA 173 at Twelve Mile Bayou.
14. Southern Hills Park And Recreation Center
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (318) 673-7878 (recreation cen
Address: 1002 Bert Kouns Loop
Description: This 160-acre public facility hosts numerous programs and activities throughout the year. A 10-court tennis center, Olympic-size pool with a circular waterslide, gymnasium, and recreation center provide guests with a one-stop sporting destination. A 1-mile walking trail affords a wonderful chance to enjoy the outdoors, while an on-site fitness center encourages those looking for a good workout to get busy. Need to learn the basics about computers? This center can give you the training you need. Many programs are offered throughout the year for persons of all ages.
15. Leisure Time Guide Services
City: Shreveport, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (318) 929-7900 or (318) 422-04
Description: Professional angler Peter J. Daniels will serve as your guide to some of best year-round fishing Caddo Lake has to offer. Never fished before? Let Peter show you the basics, and why he has been fishing all his life, with over 20 years of tournament experience. No rod, reel, or bait? No problem; Leisure Time has you covered. The standard package (either one-half day or full day) is designed for two people. Group rates are also available; call for details. So lose your land legs and enjoy one of this area’s greatest sports.