NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Carrollton Boosters announced Monday that they will not be moving forward with the sports complex project that would have been built on The Fly behind the Audubon Zoo.
“Based on the decision by John Payne, who designed and raised the funds for the proposed Sports Complex, it is with deep regret that I announce that Carrollton Boosters is withdrawing its proposal to bring additional recreational opportunities to Audubon Riverview Park, also known as The Fly, said Rini Marcus, president of the Carrollton Boosters board of directors.’’
John Payne said came up with the idea for a new sports complex at The Fly after traveling to cities like Birmingham, Memphis and Lake Charles. But the issue has become hugely divisive.
“Over the past few weeks, we have been working hard to build more consensus with a large group of community leaders and organizations. We redesigned the Sports Complex to address some of the community’s concerns; however, it is now apparent that there is no design that can create common ground with so many competing interests,” Payne said in a statement.
“Therefore, I have informed Audubon and Carrollton Boosters that it is time to stop the development of the Sports Complex. You may hear from the opponents of the project that they “won” and “defeated” the project. But, I simply believe that no one wins when a 100% privately funded Sports Complex for children is not built. In my opinion, charity projects should never be about wins and losses, they should only be about wins. “
Sports Complex would have provided a pro-turf field, new bathrooms and an upgraded playground, among other things.
When the news was announced, members from the Save The Fly group took to The Fly to celebrate. WGNO Anchor Jacki Jing spoke with Save The Fly leader Chris Lane. Hear his response below: