DeRidder Park will have new trees to replace those damaged by Hurricane Laura.

DERIDDER, La. (KPLC) – The City of DeRidder is planting new trees in West Park for the second year in a row to replace those damaged by Hurricane Laura.

New trees in the park are just the beginning of restoration. The city received a Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant of up to $8,000 to purchase the trees.

Last year, Public Works Director Tommy Landry said the city had budgeted $50,000 to return trees to the park.

“I decided to plant bigger trees so that we could get a shady canopy faster. Last year we planted 25 trees, and this year we are reviewing the budget. We’re reallocating another $50,000 to plant another set of trees,” Landry said.

Currently, 55 trees have been planted in the park.

“Initially, during Hurricane Laura, more than 300 trees fell from the storm. Since then, it is likely that as many or more people have died from hurricane damage to trees.”

The city recently applied for the Treesilience program, hoping to receive $65,000 to plant 25 new trees and remove 10 damaged trees.

Officials are considering new additions to the park, such as a fitness center, bike paths, a small amphitheater, pickleball courts, and they just recently added a new skate park.

“They did a great job. Just before I arrived, they called me and told me how great the park looked. Families are coming back, a lot of people are on the trails, and we’re just glad things are starting to look like they used to,” DeRidder Mayor Randy Larken said.

The city purchased the trees from Wilkinson Tree Farm in Iowa. They hope the trees and new additions will last a long time.

The City of DeRidder is currently applying for new grants to expand operations at the park, which could happen over the next few years.