RAPIDES PARISH
Parish Offices
701 Murray Street
Alexandria 318-473-6660
https://www.rppj.com
Chamber of Commerce
1118 Third Street
Alexandria 318-442-6671
https://www.cenlachamber.org
One of Louisiana’s largest parishes geographically, Rapides is well-known for its centralized location in Louisiana. At a cultural crossroads, the parish is an area where the French culture dissolves into Anglo-Saxon and Catholic southern Louisiana meets the Protestant north. The parish serves as a vital center of healthcare and higher education for a regional rural population, but the robust economy also boasts a strong network of business and industry. Interstate 49 and other major thoroughfares traverse the parish, combining with Alexandria International Airport to ensure efficient transportation.
Services
Few locations in the nation can rival Rapides Parish for the quality and sheer volume of healthcare and educational resources. One of the most unique opportunities for higher education is The Learning Center for Rapides Parish at England Airpark in Alexandria, where the largest consortium of colleges and universities in Louisiana provides courses, certificate programs, and degrees in a center that provides state-of-the-art equipment including a science lab. Local colleges and universities include the nationally recognized private Baptist institution of Louisiana College, covering 81 acres in Pineville with academic and residential buildings. Louisiana State University-Alexandria enrolls more than 3,000 students on its main campus as well as downtown at the Alexandria Museum of Art and A.C. Buchanan III Allied Health Building, and the Business Education Center in the Learning Center for Rapides Parish. Students have a wealth of opportunities to earn two-year transfer degrees or acquire career training in preparation for high-paying jobs in popular fields. Foremost on that list is the campus for Louisiana Technical College in Alexandria. Blue Cliff College specializes in Allied Health and the beauty industry, while LANtec of Louisiana offers technical computer training. Other institutions include Central Louisiana Medical Academy, Central Louisiana School for Dental Assistants, and the National EMS Academy for Emergency Medical Technicians. Whatever your educational goals, the right resource is available within Rapides Parish.
Healthcare institutions are equally impressive, including regional medical centers, the Alexandria Veterans Administration Medical Center, and Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital—all located in the Alexandria-Pineville area. The 241-bed Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria maintains a medical staff of more than 325 skilled physicians. Rapides Regional Medical Center, also in Alexandria, maintains a 325-bed acute-care facility that offers comprehensive care in every major specialty. Rapides Regional has a strong history of proven leadership, providing the first verified Level II Trauma Center in Louisiana, the area’s first Certified Stroke Center, and the only accredited Cycle III Chest Pain Center in Central Louisiana. Recipient of Louisiana Quality Award, Rapides Regional is also proud of its inclusion among the nation’s “100 Top Hospitals-Benchmarks for Success.” Exceptional healthcare is also available at the Huey P. Long Medical Center in Pineville, a facility within the Louisiana State University Health system in the Schreveport area known as LSU Health Shreveport.
Lifestyle
Rapides Parish brings together the relaxed southern Louisiana legacy of “joie de vivre” with a strong commitment to progressive development for the best of all worlds. Blending cosmopolitan amenities with country delights, the parish attracts newcomers to a long list of advantages and amenities. Some of the finest hunting and fishing in America, picturesque trails for hiking and cycling, beautiful parks and recreational facilities, abundant youth programs, first-rate cultural enrichment, and attractive communities are all hallmarks of this area nestled in the heart of Louisiana. Vast natural resources for outdoor enjoyment include Indian Creek Reservoir, Alexander State Forest and Wildlife Management Area, and sections of Kisatchie National Forest. The parish is also the proud of home of Louisiana’s largest concentration of nurseries, a legacy celebrated annually during the Louisiana Nursery Festival. Another popular event is the Central Louisiana Outdoor Adventure Festival, stretching over a month to offer scores of exploratory adventures. Parents will appreciate stellar attractions like the T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, Alexandria Zoological Park with more than 500 animals, and the exhibit-rich Book Fowler—the largest fishery in Louisiana. Pineville is home to Gone Wild Safari, showcasing free-roaming animals.
The arts are celebrated with flair and passion in Rapides Parish, where talented groups like the Rapides Parish Symphony and Alexandria Ballet combine with guest artists and performers at Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Lagniappe theatre, Family Playhouse, and City Park Players take to the stage at the Kress Theatre. The Alexandria Museum of Art features ever-changing collections from around the world, while River Oaks Square Arts Center provides arts education and special events in the 1899 Bolton House and the studio annex with 30 resident artists. Regional history and heritage spring to life in venues like Arna Bontemps African American Museum & Cultural Arts Center, the Delta Music Museum in Ferriday, the Louisiana History Museum, the Louisiana Political Museum, Kent Plantation House, Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins, and the Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum. If the wealth of recreational and enrichment resources sounds impressive, consider the fine schools on every academic level, advanced healthcare, a thriving economy, efficient transportation, and an affordable cost of living. The parish is home to a kaleidoscope of residential settings, from tree-lined city neighborhoods and charming small towns to gracious country manors. Newcomers to Rapides Parish are sure to discover a truly exceptional quality of life that defies comparison.
COMMUNITY PROFILES
Alexandria
City Offices
318-449-5000
https://www.cityofalexandriala.com
Chamber of Commerce
318-442-6671
https://www.cenlachamber.org
The leading metropolitan center for Central Louisiana, Alexandria offers a unique blend of urban advantages, rural landscapes and country pleasures. Little wonder that Forbes magazine ranked Alexandria among “The Top 25 Places to Retire.” At the same time, this bustling urban center is equally appealing to young professionals and families. Situated along the banks of the Red River, this affordable community offers first-rate amenities that range from an acclaimed zoo and first-class golf courses to historic homes, fine museums, great shopping, cultural centers, and entertainment venues. Outdoor recreation includes opportunities for boating, water-sports, fishing, camping, hiking, cycling, and hunting close to home in breathtaking environments crowned by Kistachie National Forest. Wonderful parks grace the landscape, while historic downtown provides a charming focal point for cultural and retail activity. Local colleges, a state university campus, regional medical centers, commercial conveniences, and a flourishing economy all contribute to Alexandria’s status as the brightest star in Central Louisiana.
Ball
Town Offices
318-640-9605
https://www.ball.govoffice2.com
Chamber of Commerce
318-442-6671
https://www.cenlachamber.org
While the community still preserves its rural character, the historic Town of Ball has evolved into the third largest municipality in Rapides Parish. Residents enjoy a close-knit hometown atmosphere, where gracious southern country living is complemented by convenient services just around the corner from home. Most of the commercial development in Ball has sprung up along the Highway 165 corridor that traverses the town. Churches, schools, and social organizations play active roles in this family-oriented town, providing frequent opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors. The Community Center and the municipal park are popular gathering places for local events and activities. Those who prefer the tranquility and simplicity of country living may find the ideal home in Ball, where the bright lights of nearby Alexandria ensure easy access to first-class urban advantages.
Glenmora
City Offices
318-748-4885
Chamber of Commerce
318-442-6671
https://www.cenlachamber.org
Bisected by Highway 165 and located in close proximity to some of the finest recreational land in Rapides Parish, the sleepy small City of Glenmora welcomes newcomers to a community where nearly every destination is located within easy bicycling or even walking distance from home. Glenmora borders the Alexander State Forest in close proximity to the Indian Creek Lake and Recreational Area, where the 2,250-acre lake combines with 100 acres of developed facilities and a 250-acre primitive camping area. Those who are looking for a friendly and welcoming hometown where the usual proliferation of chain stores and big-box retailers has yet to arrive will appreciate the old-fashioned charm of local eateries and attractions like Miss Ann Flea Market. For expanded amenities and the best that Central Louisiana has to offer, the drive to Alexandria is quick and easy.
Lecompte
City Offices
318-776-5488
Chamber of Commerce
318-442-6671
https://www.cenlachamber.org
Another small rural community in Rapides Parish, Lecompte proudly bills itself as the “Pie Capital of Louisiana. October is one of the most anticipated months of the year as Lecompte welcomes throngs of visitors to the annual Pie Festival Celebration. The rest of the year, the easiest way to sample the peerless quality of Lecompte pies is by visiting the nationally famous Lea’s Lunchroom, a Louisiana tradition since 1928 and now an international tourist destination. Featured on television and in magazines, newspapers, and tour guides, Lea’s serves homemade dishes and pies with hand-rolled crusts from farm-fresh ingredients. Locals enjoy picnicking and relaxing at the town park, which also offers a playground for the younger set. For first-rate shopping, cultural enrichment, entertainment and cosmopolitan services, Alexandria is an easy commute from home. Those who are longing for the simplicity of small-town America may find the perfect home in Lecompte.
Pineville
City Offices
318-449-5660
https://www.pineville.net
Chamber of Commerce
318-442-6671
https://www.cenlachamber.org
The family-friendly community of Pineville is situated just across the Red River from Alexandria, adding wonderful residential neighborhoods and key attractions to the urban center of Central Louisiana. The city claims a rich 275-year heritage, architecturally preserved in turn-of-the-century buildings along the quaint downtown district. The city has cemeteries dating back to the 1700s and claims the only museum in the state that focuses on city government. Mt. Olivet Chapel was used during the Civil War as Union Army headquarters and Tioga Heritage Museum interprets the region’s vital timber business. The city’s commitment to tomorrow is as evident as the reverence for the past, as historic treasures blend with vibrant contemporary development. Gone Wild Safari is a regional attraction with more than 150 free-roaming animals including zebras and giraffe. Exceptional healthcare is available locally at the Huey P. Long Medical Center, and the city is home to Louisiana College—a private Baptist institution that is consistently ranked by US News and World Report among “America’s Best Colleges.” From every perspective, Pineville continues build upon rich diversity of arts and culture, education, business and services, and recreation to provide a desirable hometown atmosphere.
Woodworth
Town Offices
318-442-1198
https://townofwoodworth.com
Chamber of Commerce
318-442-6671
https://www.cenlachamber.org
Taking for its slogan, “A new place to call home,” the picturesque Town of Woodworth is only six miles from the bright lights and highly developed urban amenities in Alexandria. This attractive, welcoming rural community is one of the fastest-growing in Central Louisiana, drawing newcomers to pristine landscapes, quiet streets, a progressive local government, and outstanding recreational amenities. Camping canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and exploring scenic byways are some of the common pastimes in this community, which is home to the Indian Creek Reservation Area. Woodworth has also become a frequent destination for visitors to the region, providing three of the finest conference centers in Louisiana. Newcomers will discover other surprises in Woodworth, from the world’s tallest fire tower to colorful festivals and special events set against the scenic landscape of a truly thriving community. For those who want to live near the expanded amenities and cosmopolitan resources of the city but return home each day to a country retreat, Woodworth is an ideal choice.
