Rain, buckets of it, could not delay the long-awaited groundbreaking for Shreveport Common’s
The Common park on Tuesday, Oct. 16.
The 2.4 acre greenspace with art-inspired amenities has been a cornerstone of the redevelopment of the 9-block area, and a location around which private and public donors have rallied. (Private donations are still being sought for several art pieces and additional amenities within the park. Naming rights for several locations are still available.)
What IS The Common? It is a 2.4 acre area bounded by Texas Avenue, Cotton Street and Crockett Street that is -at present- broken slabs of concrete building foundations. It will become a greenspace with walking paths, nearly 1 acre of grass for picnics, outdoor concerts, yard games and pooch exercise, 
trees (both real and sculptural), 4,800 sf of landscaped flowerbeds to attract butterflies, a bioswale which will capture and reuse rainwater for irrigation, a mister station, the first art structure in the park, offering a cool spot in hot weather, a food truck court for meals and concert “tailgates” in the shade, 
and lots of programming courtesy the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the City of Shreveport. The City is committed to securing and maintaining The Common and will be working with contractors to provide maintenance and working with local social service organizations to offer earned income opportunities.
Boggs and Poole Construction started work on the project the day after the official groundbreaking. Depending on the weather, the park is scheduled to be completed in 6 months, so in time for activities in spring/summer 2019.
See a 360 degree view of the site here.
