America the Beautiful Discount: Effective July 1, 2010, America the Beautiful Golden Age and Golden Access pass discounts will not be accepted by phone or online. All passes will be verified and discounts applied at the park upon arrival. According to Act No. 50 R.S. 56:1692.1, 1693.2(A), and 1693.3 any citizen of the U.S. who possesses a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport must present proper identification along with passport to receive 50% discount of campsite fees and/or exemption from day-use fee to any Louisiana State Park and the state park system of the citizen's domicile as reflected on presented identification must recognize such passes for discounted access or services.This means out of state America the Beautiful Senior/Access pass holders will not receive a discount at LA State Parks if their home state does not honor these passes. LA citizens in possession of one of these passes will continue to receive a discount.

OFFICE OF STATE PARKS REVISES OPERATING HOURS:

Entrance stations: open until 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and nights before holidays, all year.

From October through March: open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From April through September: boat launch: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Non boat launch: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gates at parks with boat launches: open 6 a.m. Non boat launch: 7 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS SET FOR BAYOU SEGNETTE STATE PARK: Visitors to Bayou Segnette State Park will soon notice upgrades to the park. Improvement projects underway include construction of an entrance station, renovations to a campground comfort station and day-use restrooms and the addition of restrooms at the boat launch and wave pool. A new group camp with a dorm-style sleeping facility and meeting room is also under construction and is anticipated to be complete by Fall 2014. The improvement projects total nearly $3 million. A plan for 2-bedroom floating cabins is awaiting a contract amendment on the construction drawings and new Army Corps of Engineer permits. These cabins will be on polystyrene platforms and will sleep up to 8 people.