Envisioned as the central park for Lafayette and the greater Acadiana region, Moncus Park is the product of a community-led effort to save and transform one of the city’s last large green spaces. Once threatened by suburban development, this 100-acre site has instead become a vibrant public park that restores native ecology, manages stormwater, and offers recreation, culture, and gathering spaces for all.
From Farmland to Civic Landmark
The land, historically used for cattle ranching and equestrian programs, became locally known as the Horse Farm. By 2005, the site faced redevelopment into a suburban retail center, an outcome that would have erased one of Lafayette’s last significant open landscapes. In response, a grassroots campaign successfully preserved the land, and the Lafayette Consolidated Government designated it as future park space. What began as an urgent act of conservation has since evolved into a regional asset celebrating the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
A Plan Shaped by the Community
The design process was built on extensive public engagement. Weekly farmers’ markets, community workshops, and surveys revealed how deeply residents valued the land, shaping a master plan rooted in Acadiana’s cultural and ecological identity. This inclusive approach ensured the park would reflect local voices while honoring agrarian history, native ecologies, and the realities of regional hydrology.
The central pond is the only public water amenity within the city, embracing the recreational activities of the region.
Ecology and Hydrology as Design Drivers
The master plan recognizes water as both challenge and opportunity. To address flooding and create a natural amenity, the design team made a bold recommendation: excavate 12 acres of the site to form a pond and wetlands system. This intervention restored natural drainage, reduced localized flooding, and provided Lafayette’s urban core with a long-missing water feature. A five-mile trail system connects visitors to the site’s diverse ecologies—wetlands, forests, prairie, and cultivated landscapes—making hydrology both a functional and experiential part of the park.
A Park for All of Acadiana
From passive recreation like birding and nature walks to cultural programming at the farmers’ market and event pavilion, Moncus Park provides a layered experience for residents and visitors alike. Its design balances active gathering spaces with quiet, immersive encounters in nature, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity while preserving ecological integrity.