Perk Up Perkins Demo Day Showcases a Safer, More Connected Perkins Road
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the Baton Rouge community came together to reimagine Perkins Road during the Perk Up Perkins Demo Day. What is usually a busy corridor for cars was temporarily transformed into a safer, more walkable, and vibrant community space.
From morning clean-ups to afternoon games, the day’s activities offered a glimpse of what a people-friendly Perkins could look like. Families, neighbors, business owners, and city leaders all joined in to experience firsthand how small changes can make a big difference.
A Community Vision in Action
“We want Perkins to be safer and more welcoming for everyone—whether you're walking to a local shop, biking with your family, or enjoying an ice cream cone with your kids,” said co-organizer Mysti Byrnes. “Through this event, you were able to really experience how it could be—both fun and functional.”
Highlights included:
A kid-friendly Keep Tiger Town Beautiful clean-up at dawn.
Street crossing demos and live walk audits to explore safety improvements.
A BLDG 5–sponsored kid-powered lemonade stand benefiting the Perk Up Perkins Fund.
Free kiddie cones from Gail’s Fine Ice Cream, sponsored by AARP Louisiana.
Chalk art, lawn games, live music, the EBR Mobile Library, and the BREC on the Geaux activity zone.
Raffles and giveaways from Varsity Sports and local restaurants and businesses.
“It was inspiring to see people coming together—neighbors, business owners, and leaders alike—to imagine a safer, people-centered corridor,” said co-organizer Julie Gerdes Becnel. “This isn’t just about what’s possible. It’s about the real improvements urgently needed, from safer crossings to more accessible sidewalks.”
A Step Toward Change
The day also spotlighted advocacy efforts already underway. A petition launched by Byrnes and Gerdes Becnel has collected nearly 500 signatures, calling for safer crossings. Thanks to this momentum, a new crosswalk is now planned at Ferndale and Perkins with support from Council Member Jen Racca, Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ Office, and Mayor’s Chief of Staff Lon Vicknair.
“The announcement of a new crosswalk is encouraging, but it’s just the beginning,” said Denise Bottcher, State Director of AARP Louisiana. “We need wider sidewalks, curb ramps, and thoughtful design choices that support people of all ages and abilities. This corridor can set a new standard for safety, accessibility, and connectivity.”
Powered by Community Partnerships
The Demo Day was made possible by a wide coalition of supporters, including AARP Louisiana, The Center for Planning Excellence, Tipton Associates, Little Rouge Hen, Strong Towns, Baton Rouge Green, BREC, and the EBR Library, alongside many local businesses and civic partners.
About Perk Up Perkins
Perk Up Perkins is a grassroots neighborhood initiative led by community advocates Mysti Byrnes and Julie Gerdes Becnel of Little Rouge Hen, with sponsorship from AARP Louisiana and support from The Center for Planning Excellence, Tipton Associates, Strong Towns, and Baton Rouge Green. The initiative is focused on creating safer crossings and sidewalks while beautifying the Perkins corridor for a more livable, walkable neighborhood.
