On behalf of Our Public Parks, Inc., a group recently formed by community leaders committed to supporting transparent and inclusive park planning, we are providing you with the lawsuit filed against University Lakes, LLC, a private limited liability company. This lawsuit seeks enforcement of our State's Public Records laws.

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OPP intends on addressing innumerable concerns regarding pre-determined outcomes, transparency, open meeting laws, public procurement, public works systems, performance bonds, and the ethics laws of the State of Louisiana.

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Our Public Parks was established out of concern for the planning process undertaken by BREC (the Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission) and its consultant, Sasaki. The current process involves BREC donating $5 million in public funds to University Lakes LLC for work on the LSU Lakes and the City Parish Lakes, although BREC does not own any of the University Lakes. University Lakes LLC has received $77 million in public funds to design and renovate the lakes and has not provided public access to its records.

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Our Public Parks is particularly interested in learning more about these donations from BREC and other public agencies to University Lakes, LLC, so that we can participate in a meaningful review of Sasaki's plans for the governance of Public City Brooks Park.

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Additionally, we are concerned that BREC is considering a governance plan for a "conservancy" to operate BREC facilities, potentially in a manner similar to University Lakes, LLC, which may reduce opportunities for public oversight or input. This approach, long advocated by Sasaki and others, could affect public engagement in the oversight of community facilities.

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Other concerned citizens may join OPP in these efforts by becoming a member as we work together on behalf of the citizens of EBR Parish.