Washington Parish Recreation District 1

SLU completes economic impact study for recreation district
Washington Parish Recreation District #1 requested the Southeastern Louisiana University Business Research Center to complete an Economic Impact study. The study shows the economic impact that the Atoka Recreation Complex will have on Washington Parish. Read the entire economic impact overview by clicking here.

Official name selected for recreation complex
After months of collecting suggestions of names for Washington Parish Recreation District #1’s recreation complex, the Board of Directors finally came to a decision on the park’s name. Atoka Recreation Complex will be the official name of the new 115 acre park that's located at the intersection of Highway 25 N. and Pico Road. Atoka (pronounced ah-TO-ka) is a Choctaw word that means "fair playing field". Several other area recreation complexes have recently named their parks after local heritage or things related to the culture of the area. Coquille Parks and Recreation in Covington and Hammond’s Chappapeela Sports Park are two local examples. Recreation District board member Damon Smith submitted the name Atoka. During the voting process of the recreation district’s board, members did not know who submitted each name. Over 50 entries were submitted from both local and out-of-state citizens. The board feels like Atoka Recreation Complex will be a name that will uniquely represent the new park.

Magee offers fundraising challenge for proposed recreation center
Mr. Leeke Magee		Leeke Magee, founder and CEO of Magee Financial, is proud to announce a pledge agreement and partnership with Washington Parish Recreation District #1 to support and assist in their efforts in bringing a new recreation complex to our community. Mr. Magee has pledged to match (dollar for dollar) any donation made to Recreation District #1 up to $150,000 – this could increase to $600,000.00 including matching funds. Mr. Magee recognizes the need for a facility in this community to provide healthy alternatives for the residents and especially the children and encourages individuals and businesses to get involved and support this worthwhile endeavor.
Mr. Magee believes in giving back to our communities and has given his time, talent, and treasures to numerous organizations, schools, and churches just to name a few. He is committed to the education of our youth in both academics and sports. By making a financial contribution, you will join Mr. Magee in the efforts to bring new facilities such as baseball and softball fields, football and soccer fields, walking paths, pavilion and picnic areas and more for our children and citizens of all ages to enjoy. It will also bring an economic boost to the Town of Franklinton and the surrounding communities. Recreation District #1 encompasses the towns and communities of Franklinton, Mt. Hermon, Enon, Isabel, Pine and Thomas. Financial contributions to this project can be made or delivered to Washington Parish Government in c/o Donna Alonzo, 909 Pearl Street, Franklinton, LA, 70438 or Recreation District #1 Chairman Johnnie Daniel, 309 10^th Avenue, Franklinton, LA, 70438. Checks should be made out to Washington Parish Recreation District #1. Donations are tax deductible and will be accepted through December 31, 2011.