Concerns Grow Over Safety and Sanitation at Columbia Park in Shreveport

Several Shreveport residents have concerns about some things that have been happening in Columbia Park in the Highland neighborhood. There have been complaints about homeless folks using the park as a place to sleep.

These residents are raising concerns about safety and sanitation at the park.

Danny Deano described some things he has encountered in the park in recent weeks. “It started with one, now it’s four guys. One of them started a fire underneath the pavilion. They pee around the corner of the building while children are playing. I’ve called the cops, but it doesn’t do any good.”

He also says noise from the park at night keeps his children awake. “My youngest can’t sleep some nights because of one of the guys being loud.”

Residents Say Parks Are for Families, Not Camps

Others echoed the frustration, saying city parks should not double as homeless camps.
Stephen Stricklin says “parks are not meant to be homeless camps. They can go to a shelter. Nobody needs to be dealing with this nonsense when taking their kids to the park.”

Neighborhood Groups Acknowledge the Ongoing Problem

Members of the Highland Neighborhood Association say the problem isn’t new—and it’s getting tougher to deal with. Teresa Edgerton Scott says “I walk my dog frequently in Columbia Park and see people sleeping in the pavilion. We’ve notified the Hope House outreach team, but it’s a recurring problem. The park isn’t intended for camping, and it’s leading to more trash and discarded clothing.”

Residents are encouraged to contact Shreveport Police to help address the problem.
Police have been beefing up patrols around the park to make sure homeless folks are not hanging out at all hours.

SPAR runs the park and the bathroom is locked. KEEL News has reached out to the city to find out if the bathroom is out of order and we are awaiting a reply.

What Are the Rules at Columbia Park in Shreveport

The sign at the park clearly says they park closes at 9pm. The parking lot has a gate. But the park is accessible to people walking up from all directions. The rules for the park also clearly state there is no overnight sleeping or camping in the park.