Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park is a free public green space on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway, Shreveport, LA 71105, in Shreveport’s Red River corridor. Named as a memorial to Charles and Marie Hamel, it gives travelers a quiet riverside setting for walking, fresh air, and broad city-and-water views away from the busier commercial parts of town.
What to Expect at Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park
This is a simple municipal park rather than a ticketed attraction with a visitor center or programmed exhibits. Its appeal is the open riverfront environment: a place to pause beside the Red River, take an unhurried walk along the Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway corridor, and watch the changing light on the water and city skyline. The memorial designation gives the small park a reflective character, making it especially suitable for a low-key break between larger Shreveport outings.
Plan for an outdoor visit with few formal services on site. The paved walking route is the practical anchor for a stroll, while open grassy edges provide room to slow down and take photographs. Early morning brings cooler temperatures and less road activity; late afternoon is a strong choice for river views. The park is open around the clock, but visitors should use normal waterfront awareness after dark and stay in visibly maintained public areas.
- Red River setting: The park’s waterfront position provides an open view of one of northwest Louisiana’s defining waterways.
- Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway walk: Use the paved corridor for a short, level-paced walk rather than treating the park as a destination requiring a long hike.
- Memorial character: The Charles and Marie Hamel name gives this public space a commemorative purpose as well as recreational value.
- City-view pause: Open sightlines make it a useful stop for skyline and river photographs, particularly in softer morning or late-day light.
- Always-open access: There is no timed gate or admission desk, so it works well for a flexible stop before or after other Shreveport plans.
Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park, Clyde Fant Memorial Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71105 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Red River corridor, south Shreveport |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours daily, Monday through Sunday |
| Admission / Price Range | Free public park; no admission fee |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Best reached by car or rideshare via Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway; use legal marked parking where available along the corridor |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Shreveport & 318-673-7727 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive in the first few hours after sunrise for a calmer walk and more comfortable weather during Louisiana’s hotter months. There is no reservation system, ticket window, or formal entry process. Bring drinking water, sun protection, and shoes suited to pavement and lawn; mosquitoes can be present near the river during warm, humid periods. Keep valuables out of view in your vehicle and do not leave belongings unattended while photographing the waterfront.
A car or rideshare is the most direct way to reach the park, as it sits along a parkway rather than in Shreveport’s dense downtown visitor core. The paved corridor is the easiest route for wheelchairs and strollers, although grass and unpaved edges can be uneven after rain. Pair a visit with other Red River sights: the riverfront itself is immediate, while the Red River District, Riverview Park, and Shreveport Aquarium are better combined on the same outing by car rather than on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the park’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park is open 24 hours a day, every day. Visit soon after sunrise or in late afternoon for cooler conditions and the best light across the Red River; use added caution if visiting after dark.
Is there an admission charge or reservation requirement?
No. The park is a free municipal outdoor space with no admission fee, timed entry, or reservation requirement. It is a $ outing, though visitors should budget separately for transportation and any food or activities elsewhere in Shreveport.
How long should I spend at Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park?
Budget 30 to 60 minutes for a riverside walk, photos, and a quiet break. Allow longer only if you are using it as part of a relaxed drive along the Red River corridor or combining it with downtown attractions.
Is the park suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and families?
Families, strollers, and wheelchair users will find the paved walking corridor more manageable than the grassy margins. The park is best for supervised, low-key outdoor time rather than a destination with a playground, indoor facilities, or extensive visitor amenities.
When planning your Shreveport travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Shreveport, pair this stop with standout local spots including Red River District, Marlene Yu Museum, Boomtown Casino Hotel, and A C Steere Park (3.4 km away).
