City of Plaquemine Activity Center (COPAC) Summary

The rich history of the City of Plaquemine Activity Center (COPAC) is a fine example of government reinventing the old for new community purposes.

In 1995, the Plaquemine Mayor and Board of Selectmen became interested in the "Old Plaquemine High School" when it was realized that the Iberville Parish School Board had no future plans for this site. It had been abandoned for over two years when new facilities were constructed. This spelled much uncertainty for the future of the facility as well as the surrounding residential neighborhood. Rumors had spread that the entire complex might be demolished and lost forever. Upon inspection, the buildings were found to be structurally sound and in tact. The site includes a football stadium, which is constructed of solid concrete and would qualify as a Class A bomb shelter.

The two-story Art Deco style public school building structure was built during the progressive W.P.A. Program in 1931 and the gymnasium in 1937 encompassing eight acres. Eight individual buildings are located on the site with complete educational and athletic amenities. This beautifully landscaped property, located in the heart of the city, is completely fenced and utilizes an entire city block in a primarily residential section which houses some of Plaquemine's finest families.

The City felt that this integral part of a prime neighborhood and historic part of Plaquemine should be saved. But, perhaps even more appealing, was the potential that this 'grand old structure' offered to all citizens of Plaquemine, both young and old. Due to the fact that the School Board was unable to sell the site, public meetings were held by the City. The community favored the acquisition and the site was donated to the City. Thus, in January, 1996, the beginning of the City of Plaquemine Activity Center, better known as COPAC!

While realizing that the use of the facility would not come cheap, it was decided that the gains would far outweigh the expense. The first step, and one of the least expensive, was to condition the grass track and football field for use as an exercise walking area year round. Hunt's Correctional Institute I.M.P.A.C.T. Program volunteered with the clearing of grass and shrub debris and the School Board continues to spray the field for unwanted weeds. The School Board has continued a scheduled program of fertilizing and maintaining the field. In March, 1997, the City hired a full-time COPAC custodian. The City provides housing for his family which is located on the grounds. City Court community service workers are assigned to work with the COPAC custodian to maintain the grounds and buildings on a weekly basis. Effective lighting was installed to encourage a safe walking/running track for the public, and immediately, people of all ages began using the field. Currently, local area school teams and local youth agencies utilize the field for football, soccer and baseball practices on a weekly basis year-round. Coca-Cola was instrumental in providing the scoreboard used for football and soccer games.

In 1996, the two-story classroom building was leased to a faith-based college, which furnished an entity to begin necessary repair work. The economic development spin-off of the college locating at COPAC was felt by the community.  New life was now being felt in the once vacant building.  The College has since left the site, but its initial presence serves as a catalyst of continued growth and interest.

In 1997, gymnasium restoration got under way under the daily supervision of Mayor Tony Gulotta.  The gym was originally built for boxing matches.  Roof repairs, painting, bathroom reconstruction, and drainage were the main problems faced during the first wave of restoration.  On the Mayor's recommendation, video poker revenues of approximately $30,000 annually are dedicated to assist COPAC's renovations and programs. The community has continued to show their appreciation, patronage and interest in continuing this project. Local churches such as the Church of Latter Day Saints have given weekend volunteer community hours towards the painting and sprucing up of the buildings.

The gymnasium is outfitted with a stage, concession stand and classrooms. The College provided two N.B.A. state-of-the-art basketball goals which have remained. The maple hardwood flooring was retained and is in daily use for basketball practices, games and tournaments by teams from local area public, private and parochial schools, local youth agencies and organizations such as Biddy Ball, local agencies and company sponsors such as Sheriffs Office and Police Department, community-member teams as well as the Baton Rouge Rolling Tigers Wheelchair Basketball Team.

The gym and grounds were made assessable for FEMA Hurricane Katrina relief workers and operations.  “The Badge” was filmed on site in Year 2002, featuring Billy Bob Thorton and Sela Ward.  Since then, the site has been used as a movie location camp.

The City received the prestigious 1998 Louisiana Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Award and the 1997 Louisiana Municipal Association Community Achievement Award for its transformation of the facility into a community activity center.

COPAC grounds hosts varied community events such as Relay for Life, and past events such as Gospel Fest, St. Jude Antique Car Show, and Louisiana Main Street Bicycle Tour.

Plans are now underway to convert the outer buildings into Plaquemine's newest Community Center and provide yet another service to the citizens of Plaquemine.

Isn't it amazing how much life can be found in an "Old High School"!

Summary written by Kristine Hebert – Special Projects Director/Main Street Manager