After nearly two decades of not having a rodeo arena or open air events facility, a major step was taken on Monday, February 26th, that is expected to bring back the opportunity for outdoor entertainment that Jackson Parish residents used to enjoy. 

That was when the Jackson Parish Recreation Board held their monthly meeting in the meeting room of the JPRD administration building, located at the Sports Complex on Hwy 4 east. 

After normal business matters were taken care of, bids were opened that had been submitted for the construction of the planned Jackson Parish Expo Center. Named as winner of the bid was Triad Builders in Ruston. Terms and amount of bid was not available.

According to Jackson Parish Recreation Department Director, Tommy Smith, ground breaking on the project is expected to begin in 4-8 weeks. 

“We are very excited to see this project finally get off the ground,” said JPRD Director Tommy Smith. “Having this outdoor air, expo center, is going to be a huge benefit for our residents.”