If you have been wondering what is next for the Louisiana Boardwalk, Bossier City Councilman Chris Smith says the message he keeps hearing is simple: people want more to do, not just more places to shop.
Smith told KEEL News on Wednesday that the privately owned Boardwalk is working toward a more “entertainment-driven” future, with exciting new announcements expected soon.
A Retail Reset and an Entertainment Push for Bossier City
Smith said the Boardwalk’s footprint is already built out, so the challenge is figuring out what works inside the space now. He pointed to how online shopping has changed the old retail model, and suggested smaller “micro store” concepts can make more sense than big department-store setups.
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Where he sounded most hopeful was entertainment. Smith framed the goal as drawing families to the Louisiana Boardwalk, the East Bank District, and the riverfront area, then giving them a reason to come back and spend time there.
Smith mentioned existing momentum from venues like Chasing Aces, and said The Picklr is also on the way, calling both “huge” additions to the entertainment mix.
What Parents Will Pay for, and Kids Actually Ask For
Smith shared a very “dad” measuring stick: if kids wake up and ask to go somewhere, parents will usually follow, and money gets spent along the way. He talked about taking his own kids to Chasing Aces and seeing how even little ones can have fun there…