RUSTON, La. — The City of Ruston dedicated Huckleberry Trails Park to former alderman Marie Riggs Thursday and honored her longtime advocacy for the park’s creation and preservation.
Dozens of residents, city officials and supporters gathered for the ceremony at the park, where speakers credited Riggs with helping turn the greenspace into one of Ruston’s signature community destinations.
Matt Cotton, Sports Complex and Parks and Recreation Director for the city, said the park represents both community and nature.
“This park right here is special,” Cotton said. “It celebrates community and it celebrates nature, and we just are excited to dedicate it to you, Mrs. Riggs, for all the hard work that you have done, getting this park established originally, and continuing to fight for it and keeping it the great park that it is now.”
Mayor Ronny Walker said Riggs’ persistence was essential in bringing the project to life.
“This park would not have happened without Marie pushing and having it happen,” Walker said.
Walker also used the ceremony to highlight Ruston’s broader investment in quality-of-life improvements during his administration, including downtown development, curbside recycling and expanded walking trails.
“We had one mile of paths when I became mayor,” Walker said. “We now have over 25 miles that people can walk within our city.”
He added that the city plans to open two more parks this year, increasing Ruston’s total from eight to 10.
“It shows our investment in the people of our city, the young families, the older families, the students, the whole works,” Walker said.
Ward 5 Alderman Bruce Siegmund said Riggs’ impact on both the ward and the park made the recognition fitting.
“It’s great to honor someone like her that’s done so much,” Siegmund said. “This park, in particular, is one of the highlights.”
Riggs, who served as Ward 5 alderman from 2003 to 2014, thanked supporters and reflected on the years of work that went into preserving and developing the property.
“This park is a miracle,” Riggs said, recounting how community members rallied to support the project.
She also spoke about the park’s ties to her own family history, recalling childhood trips to pick huckleberries along Barnett Springs Road with her father, whose family had longstanding ties to Louisiana Tech University.
“That’s why the huckleberry is special to me,” Riggs said. “It had to be part of the name for this park.”
Riggs praised the many residents, city employees, university faculty and students who contributed labor and ideas to improve the park over the years, describing it as a cooperative community effort.
She closed by urging those in attendance to stand for truth and compassion.
“Always speak the truth, always act with truth, always stand for truth,” Riggs said. “Never be afraid to lift your voice for honesty, truth, and compassion, against lying, greed, and injustice.”
This park is located adjacent to Cypress Springs Elementary School on Magnolia Street and is 23 wooded acres with multiple walking trails.
