On Monday, September 9, 2024, Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer was joined by members of the Slidell City Council and city administrators to break ground on the Ducksworth Park Multi-Use Fields Project. This project involves the reconstruction of an existing multi-use field (325’x370’) at Ducksworth Park as well as the addition of a new multi-use field (150’x200’).

All South Consulting Engineers is serving as the design consultant and Warner Construction, Inc. is the contractor for this project.

The estimated cost of this project is $676,466 and it is funded with a 50/50 grant between Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism’s Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Barring any weather delays or unforeseen circumstances, it should take roughly 130 days for construction with an anticipated completion date of January 2025.

 

UPDATED:

***The Bayou Jam concert scheduled for, Friday, Sept. 13, has been cancelled due to Hurricane Francine and possible electrical issues caused by the flooding of Heritage Park. The concert will be rescheduled for a later date.***

 

Get ready for another exciting season of live music at Heritage Park as the City of Slidell’s popular Bayou Jam fall concert series kicks off on Friday, September 13, with a performance by Big Al and the Heavyweights. The concert begins at 5 p.m., and admission is free.

“Bayou Jam concerts are a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We encourage everyone to bring their families and friends to enjoy a night of great music in Heritage Park. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend right here in Slidell.”

The schedule for the 2024 fall Bayou Jam concert series:
• Friday, Sept. 13 – Big Al and the Heavyweights
• Friday, Sept. 27 – Typically Booked
• Friday, Oct. 11 – The New Orleans Mystics

Big Al and the Heavyweights, originally known as the Unknown Blues Band, began performing in 1996. The founding members included Al Lauro, renowned guitarist Warren Haynes, and pianist Rick Gergen. Over the years, while some of the original members have changed, Big Al has maintained a strong lineup featuring Gergen, guitarist and vocalist Marcel Anton, Dennis Cedeno, and harp player and vocalist Dale Robinson. The band has been spreading the blues across the country, with their latest album, “Love One Another,” recorded at Suite Mix Studios in Slidell. Their live performances are known for being family-friendly, energetic, and full of fun. For more details, you can visit their website at BigAl.net.

Typically Booked is a dynamic six-piece cover band known for their high-energy performances, featuring captivating vocals, layered harmonies, and engaging saxophone solos. Their versatility spans a wide variety of genres and dance favorites, from the 1950s to today’s hits. While they cover multiple generations, the band focuses on upbeat millennial classics from the ’90s and ’00s, making them a favorite at celebrations throughout the New Orleans area. They’ve performed for notable organizations such as Ochsner, the American Cancer Society, and even for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans on game day. For more information, visit TypicallyBooked.com.

The New Orleans Mystics are a versatile singing group that performs a wide range of genres, including oldies, Motown, Top 40, R&B, disco, jazz, rock, and more, while staying true to their rhythm and blues roots. Formed in 1972, they have captivated audiences worldwide with their energetic choreography, powerful vocals, and dazzling outfits. Their performances continue to entertain crowds with their timeless appeal. For more information, visit theneworleansmystics.com.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, ice chests, and picnic baskets to enjoy these free, family-friendly events in the beautiful setting of Heritage Park.

The Bayou Jam Concert Series is produced by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs with support from the Parks & Recreation and Public Operations departments. These concerts are part of Olde Towne Slidell Main Street and the Louisiana Cultural District, sponsored by the City’s Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine, Inside Northside, The Slidell Independent, Slidell Savings Magazine, and Sophisticated Woman.

For more information about the Bayou Jam concert series, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Stay updated on City of Slidell news and events by visiting MySlidell.com and following us on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

In case of inclement weather, please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest updates. Cancellation decisions will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

In preparation for Elite Solo Tour Redfish Tournament, the City of Slidell is announcing that the Heritage Park Boat Launch will be closed June 20-22, 2024.

The boat launch will close at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19 and reopen at 6 a.m. on Sunday, June 23. The public will be able to launch their boats (for no charge) at the Slidell Marine – Marina located at 36440 Old Bayou Liberty Road by Nathan’s Restaurant. Please park vehicles/trailers roadside on Bayou Liberty Road (LA433).

Elite is inviting the public them on Saturday, June 22, at 3 pm in Heritage Park for the live weigh in event that will be filmed and televised on the Discovery Channel. There’s also a free youth fishing tournament starting at 12 pm. Visit https://eliteredfishseries.com/solo-tour-stop-3-3/? for more information.

In preparation for A Storybook Type of Day event, the City of Slidell is announcing that Heritage Park, the boat launch and roads immediately outside of the park will be closed in conjunction with the event.

Heritage Park and the boat launch will close to the public at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 5, and will remain closed until 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 7. Both entrances to Heritage Park on Bayou Lane will be closed (from Palmettos to Pennsylvania Avenue) to traffic. The public will be able to launch their boats (for no charge) at the Slidell Marine – Marina located at 36440 Old Bayou Liberty Road by Nathan’s Restaurant. Please park vehicles/trailers along the road on Bayou Liberty Road (LA433).

Hop into your favorite story book costume and join Kids in Development Slidell (K.I.D.S.) for A Story Book Kind of Day, Saturday, April 6, 2024 in Slidell’s Heritage Park. The free, family-friendly, storybook-themed event takes place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is inclusive to all ages and abilities.

For the second annual event, themed “Pirates and Princess”, A Storybook Kind Of Day promises to be a delightful experience for families, featuring engaging activities, storytelling sessions, and interactive learning opportunities, all centered around the theme of pirates and princesses. Attendees can look forward to a day packed with daring adventures and royal charm while contributing to a meaningful cause — ensuring the safety of infants and young children in St. Tammany Parish.

Funds raised from this event, along with donations from supporters, will enable K.I.D.S. to provide free car seats through certified installation specialists to those facing financial challenges and serve children across St. Tammany Parish.

As this is an outdoor event, it is weather permitting. For current information, follow the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/269070236224565.

Kids In Development Slidell is a project of Leadership North Shore class of 2023. Follow the group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KidsinDevelopmentSlidell.

The Bayou Jam concert featuring Fat City Swing scheduled for March 22, 2024, has been cancelled due to weather. The concert will be rescheduled for a later date.

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer was joined by members of the Slidell City Council, elected officials, city administration and the community for the Groundbreaking of the Slidell Skatepark and Slidell Pickleball Courts on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

The Slidell Skatepark – designed by Pillar Design Studios, LLC – will be 14,000 square feet and designed for both novice and pro skaters. The total cost of the project is roughly $875,000 and will be constructed by Saucier Construction Co. The project should be completed by October 2024.

The Slidell Pickleball Courts will consist of 12 new outdoor courts. Kyle & Associates is the design engineer and the courts will be constructed by Cobalt Construction, Inc. The total cost of the project is roughly $1 million and it should also be completed by October 2024.

UPDATE, 3/22/24, 8:30 a.m.: Due to the weather, the Bayou Jam Concert with Fat City Swing has been cancelled. We will reschedule for another date.

Get ready for another exciting season of great Bayou Jam concerts in Heritage Park!  The spring concert series returns on Friday, March. 22, with a performance by Fat City Swing Orchestra starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

“Bayou Jam concerts have become a beloved tradition for our citizens that unites our city through the power of music and community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “I invite you to join us at Heritage Park for fantastic Friday nights filled with music and fun!”

Mark your calendars for these upcoming concerts at Heritage Park:

  • Fat City Swing Orchestra – Friday, March 22
  • Clifton Brown and the Rusty Bucket Band – Friday, April 5
  • Slidell’s Highschool Band and Choir Showcase – Friday, April 19
  • Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra – Saturday, April 27 (5 to 7 p.m.)

Bayou Jam concerts will be held on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts.

Fat City Swing Orchestra is comprised of some of the best jazz musicians in the New Orleans area. Jon and Wesley Mannino founded the band to keep their family’s musical legacy alive. This 16 piece big band plays all your favorite jazz and swing tunes. For ore information about the band, visit their website at FatCitySwingBand.com and view some of their past musical performances on YouTube.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and follow us on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

In the event of inclement weather, please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest information. Cancellation decisions will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

In preparation for Christmas events in Heritage Park, a portion of Bayou Lane (from Pennsylvania Ave. to the Heritage Park Boat Launch) that runs through Heritage Park will be closed to vehicular traffic starting on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, to Monday, November 20, 2023.

Access to the Heritage Park Boat Launch will not be obstructed. The children’s playground area will also remain open, but parking immediately next to the playground will not be accessible. Guests should park in the shell parking lot on the corner of Bayou Lane and Pennsylvania Ave. or near the boat launch.

Calling all golf carts! Mayor Cromer is inviting you to be a part of the Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade. All you have to do is decorate a golf cart and you and your family and friends can be a part of the fun. This year’s parade is Saturday, Dec. 2 starting at 5 p.m. in Olde Towne. Registration is free but limited to the first 100 golf carts.  See the form below for more information.

2023 Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade form