Ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open Poverty Point Reservoir State Park's new conference center

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Louisiana State Parks, and elected officials today officially opened the Conference Center at Black Bear Golf Club in Richland Parish. The new facility is expected to attract diverse groups for a wide array of events from trade shows and corporate events to family reunions and weddings, each enhancing revenue for the park and surrounding community.

 Overlooking the 18th hole of Black Bear Golf Course, the new conference center has seating capacity for 160 dinner guests, a presenter’s nook with audio/visual equipment, lectern and flat screen television, a full commercial kitchen with serving line and two large covered patios. The rear patio features a 38-foot-high tower with an integrated public address system designed for golf tournaments, special events, and general safety announcements.

 “This is an exciting day for north Louisiana. This new conference center has been years in the making and will prove to be one of this area’s premier venues. We have already started promoting the facility to small conventions and conferences with the plan to help increase the number of visitors to north Louisiana. I want to especially thank Representative Francis Thompson and Senator Katrina Jackson for their support in the construction of this great facility,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

The new facility is conveniently located within Poverty Point State Park next to the Black Bear Golf Course Pro Shop. State park amenities include a marina and boat launch, fishing piers, beach, picnic area, water playground and nature trails. Overnight visitors can choose from two bedroom waterfront cabins, lodges that sleep up to ten people, or RV camping.

Additionally, Lt. Governor Nungesser announced plans for a 60-acre tract of land recently acquired by Louisiana State Parks with a goal to develop a new state of the art visitor center, built to UNESCO World Heritage Site standards adjacent to Poverty Point World Heritage Site in Pioneer, LA.

For more information about the Conference Center at Black Bear Golf Club and Louisiana State Parks, go to LaStateParks.com or follow Louisiana State Parks on Facebook or Twitter.