Kiroli Park Is Open Again in West Monroe: What Changed

For six months, the gates at Kiroli Park stayed locked while crews cleared storm damage across the 150-acre grounds. I got there the day they finally reopened, before the scheduled 7 a.m. start, and the parking lot was already filling with families, joggers and anglers who clearly couldn't wait to get back in.

The city of West Monroe confirmed the reopening on its official Kiroli Park page: admission is free until further notice. If you've been wondering whether Kiroli Park is open again, it is, and here's what I found had changed, what's new, and what's still off limits.

The Day the Gates Returned

The park closed in early 2026 after Winter Storm Fern brought down trees and left debris across the heavily wooded grounds. Six months later, walking through the gates, I could see how much work had gone into the cleanup. The trails I could access were clear, the picnic areas tidy, and people around me were smiling and chatting with strangers, clearly glad to be back.

The New Fitness Equipment

The most visible addition is a set of outdoor fitness equipment, donated by Mr. Bal Krishna Dahal and recognized by the Kiroli Foundation with a plaque dated November 2025. When I walked past around 8 a.m., two people were already using the stations, stretching and doing pull-ups before the day got hot. It's a genuinely useful addition for anyone who wants a workout with some shade and trees around instead of four walls.

What's Still Closed

Cleanup isn't finished. I saw signs marking off certain trails and the dog park, both still closed while crews continue clearing storm damage. Before you head out, check which trails are open and respect the closed sections so the restoration can wrap up safely.

How to Visit Right Now

Admission is temporarily free while the gatehouse is repaired. I noticed a donation box and a QR code near the entrance, marked "Help Bring Back Kiroli," for visitors who want to chip in toward the restoration. The park opens early and closes when the gates lock in the evening; check the Kiroli Park directory listing for the current hours.

For a fuller picture of what's inside once you're through the gates, my Kiroli Park visitor guide covers the trails, fishing ponds, playgrounds, dog park and seasonal events like the Christmas lights display. For contact details, see the Kiroli Park listing.

Kiroli Park felt loud with life again during my visit: kids on the new fitness equipment, anglers back at the pond, dogs trotting along the open trails. Go see it while admission is still free, and leave a few dollars in the donation box on your way out.