Erie Street Eco Park

Erie Street Eco Park is a newly completed green space located at the intersection of Erie Street and Plank Road in North Baton Rouge. The park represents a collaborative effort between Build Baton Rouge and BREC, with design input from LSU Landscape Architecture students and implementation support from Republic Services.

Designed as part of the larger Plank Road Corridor revitalization initiative, the park converts a previously vacant lot into a community-centered eco-hub. The design features a shaded pavilion, bioretention planters, stormwater cisterns, pollinator gardens, native plantings, and garden beds. These green infrastructure elements not only beautify the area but also help manage stormwater runoff and reduce urban heat.

The park emerged from extensive community engagement and is rooted in place-based design. It supports nearby residential revitalization efforts and complements corridor-wide investments such as new lighting, façade improvements, and the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Beyond buildings and infrastructure, every BBR project aims to create lasting impact. These benefits reflect how the project improves lives, supports neighborhood growth, and contributes to Baton Rouge’s long-term vitality.

Benefits:

• Provides a safe, shaded public space for rest, gathering, and learning
• Improves stormwater drainage through native landscaping and cisterns
• Enhances the walkability and aesthetics of the Plank Road corridor
• Reinforces community pride and public investment in North Baton Rouge
• Demonstrates strong cross-sector collaboration between BREC, BBR, LSU, and Republic Services
• Serves as a visible marker of environmental stewardship and local ownership

Erie Street Eco Park is proof that even a small parcel of land can have a big impact when communities lead, and partners collaborate. Through sustainable design, public investment, and neighborhood vision, this project offers a green beacon of what’s possible for North Baton Rouge.