StoryWalk along Kids' Nature Trail
We are excited to share that the park has added a new feature to the Kids Trail! A StoryWalk! On a recent trip to another state park Palmetto Island's park manager Andrea, saw a story walk for the first time. She quickly got permission to have one at Palmetto Island and asked a volunteer to do an investigation on how to make it happen.
We are excited to share that the park has added a new feature to the Kids Trail! A StoryWalk! On a recent trip to another state park Palmetto Island's park manager Andrea, saw a story walk for the first time. She quickly got permission to have one at Palmetto Island and asked a volunteer to do an investigation on how to make it happen. We found out that a StoryWalk project was planned in Abbeville, but sadly was facing challenges to being installed in the location chosen, bringing the project to a halt.
They needed to find a new location for installation and the park's interest in having a StoryWalk was the perfect opportunity to complete the project. We are excited to say this project came together with the partnership of the City of Abbeville, LSU Agcenter's Abbeville County Agent's Office, Vermilion Parish Library, Friends of Palmetto and Palmetto Island State Park Staff.
Imagine combining reading and the great outdoors with your kids. A set of 20 pedestals have been installed along the edges of the Kid's Nature Trail. Each pedestal holds actual pages of a book for you and the kids to read as you walk. Books will be changed periodically and sponsored by Friends of Palmetto and the Vermilion Parish Library. Learn more about StoryWalk and how they began here .
Sponsor a Book...DONATE!
Help us purchase more books for the new StoryWalk.
Anonymous donor pays for Boat Launch signs
Boat Launch Significantly More Visible!
Boat Launch Significantly More Visible!
Boat Launch Significantly More Visible!
If you have ever launched your boat at Palmetto Island's boat launch on the Vermilion River, you probably noticed that it's a little hard to find the park when you return. Over the years, the land marks change and trees along the bank line have grown to hide the slip that leads to the launch. Well that shouldn't be a problem anymore!
Boat Launch Significantly More Visible!
Boat Launch Significantly More Visible!
Through an anonymous donation the park was able to purchase TWO huge, bright and highly visible boat launch signs. The signs were installed on both sides of the slip. Boaters returning to the park shouldn't have any trouble find it anymore. The signs were installed with the help of a volunteer, park staff and the Teche Vermilion Fresh Water District.
Park Programs
Welcome Ranger Bergeron!
Welcome T.J.
We'd like to shout a big WELCOME to the park's new law enforcement ranger, Terrell 'T.J.' Bergeron. T.J. has been in law enforcement since 2006. The majority of his career was spent with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff Dept. He also served as Department Supervisor for Village of Parks Police Department. T.J. also works as a licensed nuisance wildlife trapper. He is originally from Arnaudville, LA, near Bayou Portage. T.J. has been married for 22 years and has 3 children (25, 18 and 12 years old). Having two sons on the autism spectrum led him to become involved in and is currently Chairperson of Families Helping Families of Acadiana. He says that helping others is very rewarding. T.J. loves being out in the woods, hunting, fishing and trapping. He expressed his amazement at the diversity of plant and animal life at Palmetto Island State Park. He enjoyed participating with the traveling interpretive ranger in July and was is awe of the kids' reactions to animal hides they were shown. As he talked about his experience with the park patrons, it sounded as if recognized the interest and need for educational nature related type of programs. T.J we hope you and Andrea can make that happen. Sure sounds like this fella could be a really good fit for the park. We hope you'll show him some Vermilion Parish, Cajun hospitality and make him feel welcome to the Palmetto Island State Park family.
LA State Parks seeks public-private partnerships
The Louisiana Office of State Parks is seeking public-private partnerships to implement projects designed to enhance visitor experiences and generate additional revenue for the Louisiana State Parks system. A Request for Proposal (RFP) is now open and accessible for opportunities available in all state parks. Read more.
Campground Improvements Complete!
Black topping the campground is like a dream come true for Palmetto Island's patrons. Dislike for the dust and pot holes have been the most common complaint we've heard since the park opened in 2010. The black top project was completed in 5 days by Glenn Lege Construction. They paved about 11,000 square yards of asphalt at a 3”depth. We hope this enhancement will improve the quality of your time at Palmetto Island and that patrons who refused to return until the road was paved will come back to camp soon. The sewage project is complete too. All campsites are now FULL sewer hook ups. That means no more dumping portable tanks when you spend more than a night or two at the park. Tell all your camping buddies and make your reservations today!
All Campsites Now Have FULL Sewage Hookup!
Campers....We know you'll appreciate this amenity!
Campground Black Top Project
Meet Ursa Majour! Palmetto Island State Park's newest bear.
Additional Information
The Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, Office of State Parks (State Parks) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit any and all project ideas that could benefit the State Parks system, and, as a result, the citizens of and visitors to Louisiana. The objectives in soliciting information are to promote the State Parks mission, achieve proper balance of preservation and utilization of State Parks Properties while becoming more financially self-sustaining, and better serve the needs of citizens and of visitors to Louisiana through collaboration utilizing Public-Private Partnerships.
The RFI packet, which includes a timeline, instructions for proposal submission, and selection criteria, is available at: www.opportunitiesinlouisiana.com . It may also be picked up between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at the Office of State Park, Capitol Annex, Third Floor, 1051 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802. Written Proposals must be received by State Parks at this address no later than 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday, October 22, 2021.
State Parks will continue its commitment to ensure all projects promote our mission statement, have community support, and support of local and state elected officials. State Parks also commits to not proceed with any projects that will be detrimental to the local community or any local business.
All inquiries concerning the RFI should be submitted in writing to agil@crt.la.gov
Playground for Teens
Boy Scout Terrence Decuire has raised the money for his Eagle Scout project and installed the playground. He chose Palmetto Island State Park to be the recipient of a rope climbing playground for older kids. He accepted donations, sold concessions at park events and sold 20 oz insulated Swamp Gear cups to raise money for the project. They came in a variety of colors and were etched with Palmetto Island State Park on them.
Congratulations Terrence!
Splash Pad Open All Year
The splash pad is open Tuesday thru Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance.