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Anyone going to the Louisiana HS State Swim Meet this week? Sulphur Parks & Rec Questions…
Posted on 11/19/25 at 5:47 am
Posted on 11/19/25 at 5:47 am
Incoming rant…. really hoping to hear of others experiences with Sulphur Parks and Recreation (SPAR) and hopefully push for a change.
Why does SPAR have such a poorly ventilated facility? Each year we go, I’ve heard of more than usual swimmers getting sick than occurs at other facilities. This leads to my next point…
Why doesn’t SPAR allow guests to bring in canopies? Rain is in the forecast, and swimmers will be forced to stay inside longer than normal. At least it’s not going to be cold, as swimmers are usually confined indoors even longer. Secondary to this, there isn’t enough space inside for all guests to sit, so there are always lots of people outside and can just pop in and out at events. I could see canopies not being allowed during regular rec season around the outdoor pool, but all of this is shut down at this time and there’s ample space.
Why do they prohibit guests from bringing their own food? Nutrition is key for these meets, and their concessions are not adequate. They do not even allow you to bring in your own hot coffee/tea. They then go so far as to search bags upon entry and pull out food that they find. Walking into the entrance is like having everyone’s judging eyes on you as if you’re on a perp walk, combined with dealing with the worst of a TSA security checkpoint. Im not even exaggerating very much.
College campuses aren’t even this strict, and any other public venue accommodates canopies and food. SPAR, you really need to get this together as going here is a dread after traveling across the state to get there.
Has anyone else had the same experience? I’d even like to hear from someone with insight into SPAR.
Why does SPAR have such a poorly ventilated facility? Each year we go, I’ve heard of more than usual swimmers getting sick than occurs at other facilities. This leads to my next point…
Why doesn’t SPAR allow guests to bring in canopies? Rain is in the forecast, and swimmers will be forced to stay inside longer than normal. At least it’s not going to be cold, as swimmers are usually confined indoors even longer. Secondary to this, there isn’t enough space inside for all guests to sit, so there are always lots of people outside and can just pop in and out at events. I could see canopies not being allowed during regular rec season around the outdoor pool, but all of this is shut down at this time and there’s ample space.
Why do they prohibit guests from bringing their own food? Nutrition is key for these meets, and their concessions are not adequate. They do not even allow you to bring in your own hot coffee/tea. They then go so far as to search bags upon entry and pull out food that they find. Walking into the entrance is like having everyone’s judging eyes on you as if you’re on a perp walk, combined with dealing with the worst of a TSA security checkpoint. Im not even exaggerating very much.
College campuses aren’t even this strict, and any other public venue accommodates canopies and food. SPAR, you really need to get this together as going here is a dread after traveling across the state to get there.
Has anyone else had the same experience? I’d even like to hear from someone with insight into SPAR.
This post was edited on 11/19/25 at 9:27 am
11
Posted on 11/19/25 at 5:54 am to meeple
Will there be any gators? I would drive to see that.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 5:57 am to meeple
is this the female version of travel ball ?
Posted on 11/19/25 at 6:24 am to meeple
Interesting, my son swam and we have been to meets there probably 10 times, including 4 LHSAA Finals. I can honestly say I never heard anyone concerned about the ventilation, multiple kids getting sick, etc.
Can’t speak about the food, must be a new policy since we’ve been there. Never had bags searched, that’s certainly seems obnoxious if they’re doing that. Guess just keep an ice chest in the car and have kids step out for a quick snack if needed? They have food there but I can see why you’d want to choose to bring your own.
Good luck, hope your kid has a great meet!
Can’t speak about the food, must be a new policy since we’ve been there. Never had bags searched, that’s certainly seems obnoxious if they’re doing that. Guess just keep an ice chest in the car and have kids step out for a quick snack if needed? They have food there but I can see why you’d want to choose to bring your own.
Good luck, hope your kid has a great meet!
Posted on 11/19/25 at 6:49 am to meeple
Are the teams not allowed to bring food/snacks for the swimmers? That would be odd to me
I've seen HS cross country meets where teams have a spread of all kinds of food for the runners before/after the race
I've seen HS cross country meets where teams have a spread of all kinds of food for the runners before/after the race
Posted on 11/19/25 at 6:57 am to ThibodauxBengal
The ventilation totally sucks. And they very much check bags. You can’t leave and come back. The jambalaya is good but like all sports events, especially the ones that don’t allow food, there aren’t any healthy options for the athletes. It’s an overall shite place for this to be held.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 6:58 am to meeple
Coach of 30+ years here.
SPAR is not that bad. I have seen kids get sick, but never in any numbers. Food is never “allowed” in any facility. Even though in the vast majority of situations no one really cares. Good for that parish for dedicating a portion of taxes to amateur sports. No one else has done this much for kids sports. And I say that really hating that drive from NO to Sulphur.
The difference in this case is LHSAA. They are worthless money grubbing whores. Hate them. Not SPAR.
LSU coach will not give up pool time to use that facility for this meet. There are no other decent facilities in the state. Changes are in the works to rectify this, but construction will take years.
SPAR is not that bad. I have seen kids get sick, but never in any numbers. Food is never “allowed” in any facility. Even though in the vast majority of situations no one really cares. Good for that parish for dedicating a portion of taxes to amateur sports. No one else has done this much for kids sports. And I say that really hating that drive from NO to Sulphur.
The difference in this case is LHSAA. They are worthless money grubbing whores. Hate them. Not SPAR.
LSU coach will not give up pool time to use that facility for this meet. There are no other decent facilities in the state. Changes are in the works to rectify this, but construction will take years.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 7:05 am to meeple
The facility sucks and is stuffy as hell. It definitely feels like you are doing something wrong when you walk in the way the security is, but we have always brought in fruit and other snack foods for the swimmers with no issue.
The Natatorium is a dump but would be a better location. As far as LSU not being willing to give pool time I’m not so sure about that, it seems like lack of effort on LHSAA since LSU is at a meet in Athens all this week.
The Natatorium is a dump but would be a better location. As far as LSU not being willing to give pool time I’m not so sure about that, it seems like lack of effort on LHSAA since LSU is at a meet in Athens all this week.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 7:10 am to Screaming Viking
Are you the coach that whistles shrilly in time with the kids’s swimming?
Posted on 11/19/25 at 7:11 am to killinme_smalls
Thx for your perspective Viking.
I heard that the year-round swim state meet will be changing from LSU to SPAR in the spring as well. Since that’s not LHSAA, seems that’s LSU’s call.
Agree that facilities are lacking in the state.
I heard that the year-round swim state meet will be changing from LSU to SPAR in the spring as well. Since that’s not LHSAA, seems that’s LSU’s call.
Agree that facilities are lacking in the state.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 7:30 am to Screaming Viking
quote:
LSU coach will not give up pool time to use that facility for this meet. There are no other decent facilities in the state.
My kids are too young for the state hs meet so I can’t speak to Sulphur but the LSU facility is top notch and the staff is amazing at getting it ready for all of their meets including the two large state meets. I’lll also add, the families that attend are fantastic too. My son is extremely fast in the water, but notoriously slow on land so we’re usually the last ones to leave(not to mention he lost his socks, can only find one shoe and is draped in someone else’s towel, but put him in water and he’s on his game). The pool deck and surrounding grounds are usually as clean as when everyone got there.
My son swam this past weekend at Crawfish. 4 events Saturday and 4 Sunday spanning between 11:00 and 3:30 which means nutrition is vital. He devours fruit, granola bars, etc. Not bringing food isn’t an option for us.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 7:46 am to go_tigres
quote:
but the LSU facility is top notch
It may in fact be one of the worst in the sec. I never swam at vandy, since they lack a men's team... but not a great facility, unless you want to get shot 2 blocks away.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 7:52 am to BrotherEsau
no. but I am good friends with two coaches that do that. I can't stand it, personally.
I don't do much rah-rah stuff at meets. All mine is done at practice.
I don't do much rah-rah stuff at meets. All mine is done at practice.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 8:06 am to Screaming Viking
I have never really understood why Sulphur has had the youth sports facilities that Lake Charles does lacks. For example, the Louisiana High School state baseball and softball championships are held there each year.
Upon my understanding Barbe High School kids on the swim team drive there for practice because McNeese will not allow use of their pool.
Upon my understanding Barbe High School kids on the swim team drive there for practice because McNeese will not allow use of their pool.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 8:59 am to meeple
Just set up in the parking lot and cook and get drunk.
When your kid comes out, tell them they did a great job!!
You’re welcome.
When your kid comes out, tell them they did a great job!!
You’re welcome.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 9:06 am to meeple
A-“This leads to my next point.” you never made a first one.
2- What the hell are you talking about?
And D- are you a woman? You sound like a woman.
2- What the hell are you talking about?
And D- are you a woman? You sound like a woman.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 9:19 am to meeple
Why does Sulphur get to host the meet every year over LSU's nat? It is wild to me the lack of good pools in the state. This pool is way too shallow and has other issues for a high level competition. Didn't Thibodaux Regional recently build a good pool? I haven't heard anything about Tulane's upgrade. Sad UNO couldn't keep their pool updated. Remember swimming there so many times as an age grouper for Sugar Bowl - that was the biggest meet in the LA-MS area growing up.
This post was edited on 11/19/25 at 9:24 am
Posted on 11/19/25 at 9:25 am to meeple
quote:
College campuses aren’t even this strict, and any other public venue accommodates canopies and food. SPAR, you really need to get this together as going here is a dread after traveling across the state to get there.
Due to increased liability, many universities are starting to work club teams out of their facilities completely. I know CTA who uses the UA pool is very limited and will likely be booted out completely after their current coach (who is also a professor on campus) retires.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 9:53 am to rpg37
quote:
Why does Sulphur get to host the meet every year over LSU's nat?
probably because the LHSAA determines the host site based on bids. LSU likely never submitted a bid and does not care about hosting. SPAR has been hosting the State swim meet event for over 20 years. UNO Natatorium has hosted swim meets but for USA Swimming (year-round teams - ie Crawfish Aquatics, Francos, COSST, etc.. .)
FWIW, I swam in the 80's (both HS and year-round) and remember swim meets (long course 50m pool) held at UNO, the NLU Natatorium in Monroe, LSU Huey P Long Field House, and at the Metairie YMCA. LSU's pool went into disrepair and the YMCA property was bought by East Jefferson for Hospital expansion. Only a handful of facilities can accommodate and host a State swim meet.
Posted on 11/19/25 at 9:54 am to CharleyLake
quote:
I have never really understood why Sulphur has had the youth sports facilities
there is a small tax on all of the refineries in the area that goes directly to Parks and Recreation. That is how all of the facilities have been built.
municipalities strictly dedicate funds in this manner. normally monies go to a general fund....then wasted/stolen. shame to say.
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