Lowell Hall realizes that private citizens can do some public good, and he encourages others to pitch in as well.

“I decided last year that with all the hard work that has been put into enhancing and keeping Cassidy Park clean, it would be a good thing to do to help out a little,” Hall said. “This year I reserved the same pavilion for Mardi Gras that I’ve reserved for the past five or six years, and I asked everyone I invited to help me with a good donation. I never expected that we would have such a devastating flood that we had, and all the destruction the park suffered.

“I would like to say to anyone that would listen, just take walk through the park, sit in a swing or take your children to feed the ducks, go fishing, check out the BBQ cook-off, go to the Blues and Heritage Festival, and, of course, Christmas is always a special time for family, or spread out a blanket and picnic with your girlfriend or boyfriend.

“The park has a lot to offer the citizens of Bogalusa. It’s a good thing to donate to the park when you have a great family and great friends to spend time together in a safe and fun place like Cassidy Park.

“My daughter Hannah Hall Jones and son-in-law Brian Jones are expecting my first grandchild and they, too, have reserved a pavilion to have a baby shower on April 1. It’s a family tradition now.

“I hope to donate as much or more next year because I have a grandson coming in May, so when he’s a 1-year-old, I’m sure he would love going under the kids’ sprinklers.”

Hall encourages everyone who is able to donate to Cassidy Park.