ABOUT THE PROJECT:

The vision for the University Lakes system is to be an unmatched recreational amenity for all people of Baton Rouge, one that offers safe and comfortable routes for everyone & offers spaces for gathering and for contemplation.

To do so, the Lakes will be reimagined as a sustainable ecological jewel that increases water quality and offers habitat for aquatic and land-based animals. The Lakes will become a place where people and nature come together, a celebration of the South Louisiana environment and Baton Rouge culture.

The goals of the University Lakes Project include: 

• Deepening the lakes to provide a more sustainable aquatic system
• Providing increased flood protection for upstream and downstream communities
• Enhancing environmental performance to improve natural habitats
• Improve and diversify recreational uses while improving safety for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

A coalition of state, local, and university partners was formed in the fall of 2019 to restore the lakes by implementing the 2016 University Lakes Master Plan. Partners include the State of Louisiana, the City of Baton Rouge - Parish of East Baton Rouge, BREC, LSU, the LSU Foundation, and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Together, these organizations make up the Project Management Committee, which oversees and provides direction to the project. University Lakes LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the LSU Real Estate and Facilities Foundation, is issuing the contracts and will oversee work that includes deepening all six lakes, restoring habitat, and building sidewalks and bike paths around the lakes.

Presenter: Mark Goodson- Principal, Planning and Resilience Practice Lead

Mark Goodson is CSRS’ Planning & Resilience Practice Lead who oversees a multi-disciplinary team of professionals that advises clients on how to survive, adapt, and thrive during changing conditions. He is particularly skilled at helping clients turn liabilities into assets and maximizing the community benefits produced by capital expenditures and investments. Mr. Goodson and our planning and resilience team members provide technical assistance to commercial and governmental clients across the U.S. to identify risks and vulnerabilities, develop strategic plans and interventions, and design and implement resilience programs, as well as integrate resilience and sustainability into existing capital programs.

Mr. Goodson’s career spans over 15 years, during which time he focused on resilience, urban planning and redevelopment, public finance and budgeting, and program management. Mr. Goodson holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a Master of Public Administration, both from Louisiana State University.