SWEPCO Park

A Piece of History on the Bluff

Perched in Shreveport's Allendale neighborhood, SWEPCO Park is a hidden 5.3-acre spot with stories to tell. This quiet space, donated to the city by the Southwestern Electric Power Company, has an interesting history that might surprise you.

Did you know the bluff you're standing on once served as Civil War defenses? Fast forward to the 20th century, and this same land transformed into a beloved community hangout, complete with a playground where kids' laughter fills the air and a basketball court where local games unfold.

Nature's Rollercoaster

What's notable about this park is its dramatic landscape - a rarity in typically flat northwestern Louisiana. The southern edge sits proudly at 222 feet elevation before taking a thrilling dive to 172 feet at the northern boundary. That's a 50-foot drop across just 340 feet of land!

From the edge, you can see nice views of Twelve Mile Bayou's winding waters and surrounding vegetation. The natural area creates a buffer from the industrial zone just beyond.

Under the Canopy

Tall native hardwoods provide shade overhead, their branches spreading wide. Even in the thick of Louisiana's sweltering summers, these natural guardians offer cool patches of shade where you can catch your breath and enjoy the outdoors without melting away.

The peaceful setting offers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery around you.

The Heart of Community

For generations, SWEPCO Park has been where families spread blankets for picnics, friends meet up for games, and neighbors find moments of quiet reflection. Though recent years have seen some overgrowth and neglect creep in, local residents aren't giving up on their treasured green space.

There's something special happening here - a grassroots movement to restore the park's former charm. These ongoing efforts speak volumes about what this place means to Shreveport, both as a cultural landmark and a historic treasure worth preserving.