Neyland Park

The Neyland Park neighborhood rests along the outer edges of Lafayette. A smaller community, it provides a midpoint between the city and the town of Scott. The area is split between industrial and commercial properties to the north of Eraste Landry Road and a densely populated residential enclave to the south. Close to Cajun Field and the Cajundome, it’s the perfect spot for sports fans. The neighborhood’s namesake park is a standout in the area, and it’s easily reachable on foot from the residential half of the area. To reach downtown or to commute to work, a car is needed.

Neyland Park has apartments, condos and townhouses mingling with single-family homes from the traditional to cottages to snout houses, which are easily recognized by a large garage facing the street. Ranch-style residences from the 1970s can be found throughout the area along with the odd Colonial or farmhouse. Mature trees dot the landscape, and prices range from $150,000 for a three-bedroom, three-bath townhouse to $330,000 for an Acadian home with four bedrooms and two baths.

Students in the area have their choice of private or public schools like Westside Elementary, Lafayette Middle or Lafayette High. Westside Elementary teaches children from kindergarten through fifth grade and has a foundational literacy plan focused on phonics, vocabulary development and fluency. Lafayette Middle proudly operates an environmental sciences academy that teaches students about Louisiana’s unique ecosystems and their inhabitants as well as how to protect them. Lafayette High is one of the largest high schools in the state. It’s known for its magnet programs, Academy of Health Careers and French Immersion courses.

Tucked into the bottom corner of the neighborhood, Neyland Park itself welcomes visitors to explore everything its 30 acres have to offer. In addition to plenty of open space, you’ll find lighted ball fields, tennis and basketball courts and batting cages, making this a one-stop-shop for local athletes craving a friendly game or two. If you prefer to spend the afternoon flipping burgers for family and friends, there are covered picnic areas with grills, and little ones can work out some energy on the playground.

The park is also home to the Robicheaux Recreation Center. It contains an indoor gym and an Olympic-sized heated pool alongside game and weight rooms. An important part of the community, the center offers instructor-led courses like Zumba, line dancing and judo. There are also athletic leagues for all ages including youth volleyball and adult basketball.

While the neighborhood doesn’t have many retail spots, it does have a corner grocery, laundromat and even a play center. Rage Athletics invites guests to try their hands at tumbling, Gelly ball or the ninja workout course. Kids ages three and up can enjoy learning the basics of tumbling, and Gelly ball players can start as young as five years old. Speaking of, Gelly ball is a new form of paintball that uses soft pellets designed to bounce off people without stinging. Then there are the ninja classes which combine gymnastics, parkour and strength training with an obstacle course made of swinging rings, balance beams, rope climbs and climbing pegboards.

Mojo Clean Laundromat provides patrons with 19 washers, 24 dryers and wash and fold services. An ATM rests next to the change machines and TV area. Parking is no problem with a dedicated lot, and there’s even Wi-Fi available to keep you browsing as your clothes go for a spin.

The Corner Pantry Grocery and Restaurant keeps the locals happy with beloved burgers and legendary plate lunches. Each day, different plate selections are written on an old-fashioned chalkboard, advertising a choice between two types of meat and the daily sides. The eatery has a rotating menu which can include items like chicken bowtie pasta, gumbo, meat pies or praline chicken.

The Neyland Park community serves as a gateway to the interior of Lafayette and to greater Acadiana with its unique combination of industry, commerce and residences.

Written By

K.T. Phillips

Video By

TJ Wengert