By Jim Smilie

The Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to accept a donation from Martin Sustainable Resources, LLC, to make significant improvements to Compton Park during its regular meeting Tuesday night.

Darren Green, the city’s urban forester, said the Martin family approached the city about three years ago about making improvements to Compton Park as a way to honor the late Johnny Martin, who was a regular at the park and worked to help maintain the grounds.

“The Martin family is honoring Jonathan E. Martin for his Christian life and great contributions to the timber industry, Cenla, and all of Louisiana,” said Roy O. Martin III. “Johnny, who was very close to his grandchildren, always loved to pick up trash around Compton Park, and we can’t think of a better way to honor his life than to donate a grove of trees and playground equipment for children in Compton Park. We also thank the Compton family for providing this space for Alexandria for decades. Today, September 20th, mark’s the fourth anniversary of his (Johnny’s) death.”

City officials suggested replacing the playground equipment at the park. The Martins agreed to do that and more Green said. “They will be replacing the current playground equipment with a state-of-the-art Tree Top Playground. They will also be making improvements to the walking trail and they will create a new gathering area with shade trees between the playground area and the hill,” Green said.

Green said the playground equipment has been ordered and is expected to arrive in November and a contractor has been selected to do the construction work. He said the park will have to be closed during installation of the new playground equipment and the other improvements. “We will do our best to keep the walking trail available,” Green said.

Noting the entire cost of the project is being covered by Martin Sustainable Resources, Council President Lee Rubin said, “I think all citizens of Alexandria owe them a big thank you. This is a significant contribution and will be a great addition to the city.” Green added that Compton Park was on the city’s list for improvements and playground replacement. “Thanks to this donation, that frees up $50,000-$100,000 that can be used for other projects,” he said.

As was previously reported by The Rapides Parish Journal (https://rapidesparishjournal.com/2023/09/19/council-to-hear-proposal-to-allow-more-ambulance-service-providers/), an ordinance was introduced to consider allowing more than one ambulance service provider for the city. The city council voted to allow multiple providers last year but then-Mayor Jeff Hall vetoed the ordinance noting it conflicted with a single-provider agreement in place for Rapides Parish and could result in confusion and slower or no response. At the time, Hall said he didn’t oppose competition, but felt it would make more sense to look at the issue when the existing contract with Acadian Ambulance expires.

In other business, council members approved the appointment of Public Works Director David Gill as Accountable Executive for Compliance with the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan Requirement. The city’s ATRANS bus system is under the Public Works Division and the Public Works Director typically fills this position.

The city also approved a resolution to create a permanent marker to recognize Alexandria as the first city in Louisiana to adopt a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance. Former city councilman Roosevelt Johnson spoke in favor of the resolution. He noted the ordinance took effect on January 4, 2012, and he hopes the marker can be in place in time for the anniversary of the ordinance’s implementation next January.

Finally, the council approved co-sponsoring the Alexandria Museum of Art’s Dylan Tran performance on October 5. Museum Director Catherine Pears said Tran is an Alexandria native who has become a prominent performer in New Orleans. She said Tran’s performance plans are too large for the museum, and that the event will be held at the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater.