Shreveport Nature Park Rebirth: Sneak Peek at the New Walter B. Jacobs Center

SHREVEPORT, LA - Work is moving along in the effort to completely rebuild the Walter B. Jacobs Nature and Event Center just north of Shreveport in the Blanchard area.

Here's a look at how the work is going on rebuilding the park and what it will look like when it is complete.

Caddo Parish voters approved a bond initiative in 2022 to fund a complete update of this massive nature park. The construction is slowing coming to reality for Caddo Parish citizens. The parish has sent out an update saying there have been several rain delays, but the park is still set to open up in October of this year.

Patrick Wesley-Director of Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department says “Our resilient Caddo Parish citizens are so excited about the newly constructed facilities at the Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park. These anchor facilities will be a game changer in creating a new generation of park users in Caddo Parish."

How Is the Park Project Funded?

Voters approved a 20-million-dollar bond initiative for the construction of a new nature center and event center at the Walter B. Jacobs Park site on Blanchard Furhh Road. This will give the Parish a much larger space to host educational visits and seminars. The park will also host more hands-on events for children and adults as well.

Part of the charm of this rural park is that it is in the middle of a pine and oak forest with tons of trails and outdoor sites to enjoy. The parish will use the park to continue to serve as the recognized center for outdoor education events in this region.

Where Is the Walter B. Jacobs Park?

The park is about 3 miles west of Blanchard on Blanchard Furr Road. It includes 160 acres of forest and five miles of nature trails. This new complex will include a 24,000-square-foot facility which will house a more dynamic and interactive educational facility.

It will include interactive exhibits, classroom space, a 2,500 square foot bird aviary, a gift shop plus a full service event space.

Construction started in June of 2024. It is expected to open to the public in October of this year.