
About Dugas Park
Dugas Community Park is a 340-acre nonprofit park located in Scottsville, Kentucky. Many amenities are offered to the public including walking/hiking trails, a pavilion, an amphitheater, and a playground. When completed, the park will also include a dog park, farmers market, horseback riding trails, treehouse village, and more. These experiences will continue to be intertwined with Civil War heritage, natural conservancy, health and wellness, as well as agricultural uses to become a one-of-a-kind rural heritage park.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to create a one-of-a-kind rural heritage park that provides recreational and educational opportunities for all.
Vision Statement
We envision a thriving, cohesive community space that honors the Dugas family’s legacy by providing a wide range of accessible amenities, interactive educational programming, and health and wellness options. We will do this while also centering natural conservancy, sustainability, and the land’s agricultural and historical heritage. We aim to offer varied and meaningful experiences that enhance the lives of our community members and visitors. Our hope is that Dugas Community Park will be a treasure for the citizens of the region for generations to come.
Organizational Pillars
Organizational History
Dugas Community Park is named in honor of the Dugas family, led by Laura Jo and Wayne Dugas. Laura Jo, a native of Scottsville, was the daughter of the late Cal Turner Sr., founder of Dollar General Stores. Wayne, originally from Des Allemands, Louisiana, and Laura Jo raised their three sons—Foster, Steve, and Bruce—on the land that now houses the park. The Dugas family lived on the property from 1963 to 1990, and their former residence now serves as the operational office for the park.
In a generous act of community dedication, the Dugas family donated over 240 acres of land to establish Dugas Community Park. Along with the land, the family created an operating endowment to ensure the park’s sustainability without placing the financial burden of upkeep on the community. The Dugas family’s vision was to leave a lasting legacy—creating a treasure for the region’s residents to enjoy for generations to come.
The planning for Dugas Community Park began in the spring of 2014 when the Dugas family set out to turn their vision into reality. Over the course of the year, the family, along with key stakeholders, worked to shape a park that would celebrate the area’s rich history and natural beauty.

Step I — Data Collection and Analysis (Understanding)
The planning process began with a comprehensive site evaluation. The Dugas family’s land, once a farm, was explored by the planning team in utility vehicles to assess the property’s conditions. Aerial surveys were flown and analyzed to document topography, tree cover, existing buildings, and property boundaries, providing the foundational data for the park’s Master Plan.
Step II — Exploring Ideas (Exploring)
A series of stakeholder meetings followed, with participants including city officials, county leaders, local business owners, residents, and representatives from the Allen County Chamber of Commerce and Allen County Public Schools. These meetings helped to refine the vision for the park, gathering input from all corners of the community. Based on feedback from the Dugas family and stakeholders, a preliminary park Master Plan was developed, laying the groundwork for the park’s future.
Step III — Deciding on a Preferred Plan (Deciding)
In this final phase, the planning team presented the preliminary Master Plan to stakeholders for further feedback. Based on the input received, the plan was adjusted, and a final version was created. The community provided valuable insights, offering input on various aspects, including the park’s character, historical elements, programming, and potential funding sources.
On February 10, 2016, after years of careful planning, the park’s planning board proudly announced the official establishment of Dugas Community Park in Allen County. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter for the region, as the park took shape as a vibrant hub for recreation, education, and connection to local heritage.