Some gathered, but many flocked to Cleary Playground gymnasium on Nov. 16 for not only a ribbon-cutting but a memorial service for Coach Jay “Jaybird” Champagne. District 5 Councilwoman, Jennifer Van Vrancken, started the ceremony by unveiling the gym improvements and talking about the late Coach. Numerous family members, friends, and Cleary Playground participants went to the podium to remember Champagne. They discussed his bear-hugs, high-fives, love for the Saints and the Cubs, hard work, and dedication to the playground.

Some of the gymnasium improvements, funded by Council District 5, included renovation for the exterior, main hall, restrooms, meeting rooms, assistant supervisor’s office, equipment room, and gymnasium. At the end of the night, Van Vrancken honored Coach and his family with a Jefferson Parish Council Proclamation declaring the new gym court to be named the “Jay Champagne Gymnasium Court” in recognition of Champagne’s outstanding contributions to the success of the programs at Cleary Playground.