Gonzales Opens $7M Freeland Jackson Center
Gonzales has a brand-new place to play. The city just opened the Freeland Jackson Center, a $7 million indoor recreation and community center right here in Ascension Parish. Here's my quick rundown in video, with all the details below.
More on living in Gonzales.
What happened: Gonzales opens a $7M rec center
According to WBRZ, the City of Gonzales cut the ribbon on the Freeland Jackson Center on Monday, Nov. 9. It's an indoor recreation and community facility on South Darla Avenue, near Gonzales Middle School, and it cost an estimated $7 million.
City leaders broke ground on the project back in November 2024. According to Baton Rouge Business Report, weather and construction scheduling delays pushed the opening back, but the center is now open.
What's inside
Full-size indoor basketball courts
Pickleball courts
Space for year-round fitness and wellness programs
Tutoring programs with local schools
Event and meeting space available to rent
"This community center represents inclusion, diversity and community; any single activity that your mind can wander on, this recreational center can house it," Mayor Tim Riley said at the ribbon cutting.
The key numbers
Estimated cost: $7 million
Groundbreaking: November 2024
Ribbon cutting: Monday, Nov. 9, 2026
Location: South Darla Avenue, near Gonzales Middle School
Why it matters for Gonzales and Ascension Parish
As a realtor who lives and works in this area, I pay close attention to the everyday amenities that make a place feel like home. A new indoor facility means families have somewhere to play, train and get together no matter the weather, and in south Louisiana that matters, between summer heat and afternoon storms.
The tutoring programs with local schools are a big plus too, and having event and meeting space you can rent gives local groups, teams and families another option close to home.
And if you play pickleball, you already know how hard it can be to find a court. More courts in Gonzales is good news.
What to watch next
Program schedules and how to sign up for leagues, classes and tutoring
Details on renting the event and meeting space
Open hours for courts and pickleball play
I'll share updates as the city rolls out programs at the new center.
Want more local news like this?
Every weekday I break down what's happening around Baton Rouge, Gonzales and the rest of the Capital Region, from new businesses to community projects and big developments. Comment the word "Report" on the video above, or reach out to me directly, and I'll add you to my weekly newsletter that dives deeper into stories just like this one.
I'm Brian Mackey with Pivot Realty, here in the trenches gathering the news in the Baton Rouge area so you're always in the loop. If you have questions about buying or selling a home in Baton Rouge or Ascension Parish, I'm always happy to help.
