Announcements

Ursa Major is the name of Palmetto Island State Park's newest Bear. This larger than life bear is located near the splash pad. Make two trips to see this beauty, one during the day and then pass again at night to see her all lit up. Learn more about this bear's name here.

Ursa Major was designed, fabricated and installed by Brennan Steele. Palmetto Island's bear took 4-5 days to design on the computer. After that came the slow process of transferring it from the computer to actual iron. Ursa was constructed with twelve 4x10 sheets of of Corten Steel. Corten Steel (sometimes known as weathered steel) is a group of steel alloys that are often used in outdoor construction. Corten Steel was designed to eliminate the need for painting and if left outside, exposed to the elements, it will develop a rusted appearance in just a few months. Brennan sent these carefully marked sheets of steel to Louisiana Cutting in Baton Rouge for cutting. I think there are over 90 shapes welded together to create Ursa. It took Brennan 3-4 weeks (working every other day because of the Louisiana heat) to build Ursa Major.

This project was funded through the state's ' Percent for Art' program-1% of the cost of a project has to be set aside to pay for art.

Brennan is a native of Oregon who moved to Louisiana 12 years ago and lives and works in New Orleans. Brennan's resume is impressive. He has worked for event production companies and TurboSquid in New Orleans helping to create elaborate Mardi Gras floats. Brennan is now self employed and contracts to create amazing art. I'd like to mention just a couple of features designed and created by Brennan, the bear at Black Bear Golf Club and butterflies for Ochsner's Medical.

Brennan's specialty is creating bonfire sculptures. You can see more pictures of Brennan's creations below.

Explore Brennan's Creations

Campsite Construction begins in September 2022

Message from Park Manager...Beginning in late September, part of the campground will be closed for renovations. Sewer hook-ups are being added to all of the campsites. As of right now, no reservations will be cancelled. The contractors will work around existing reservations and programs, such as Halloween, the cochon-de-lait, etc. If there are reservations on campsites that are being renovated, then we can transfer them to an open campsite. At no time is the entire park closing, which is a question that we have been getting a lot. If customers have any questions, they can call the park at 337-893-3930.

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.

Important Announcements

Meet Ursa Majour! Palmetto Island State Park's newest bear.

Campsite Construction begins in September 2022

Additional Information

Playground for Teens

Splash Pad Open All Year