Questions and confusion began to arise from members of the community when news broke recently of Lafayette Consolidated Government's plan to lease the Horse Farm.

Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel stopped by “Mornings with Ken and Bernie” for his weekly “Lafayette Live” segment to discuss the lease of the Horse Farm and clarify the despite the confusion.

Despite never hiding intentions of one day turning the Horse Farm property over to a private entity, Durel said he expected the question and confusion when the news was announced. The City-Parish President reiterated that this was the plan all along.

I did an interview with someone who didn't realize the Horse Farm would be turned over, they thought it would stay in government. However, that was my plan from day 1. - Joey Durel

Durel says the transition of the 100-acre Horse Farm from public to private is intended to help the property avoid the restrictions and bureaucracy that can be involved in government projects.

It was important that we save the property, but we needed to find a better way to fund it outside of government because we do have some priorities we need to take care of. Governments hands are often tied. The ideal place was Community Foundation of Acadiana.

- Joey Durel

According to Durel, the private entity will be free to do what they feel is best in growing the Horse Farm into the park all involved imagine it can be.

Another benefit to the transfer is that citizens will be able to donate money directly to growing the park. Durel feels that citizens would be more inclined donating money to the nonprofit Community Foundation of Acadiana rather than the city government, as donators will know the money will go directly to the park.

To listen to the full interview, click the play button below:

 

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