BREC is the agency that connects people to parks and nature in East Baton Rouge Parish with a system that has more than 170 parks including a unique mix of facilities, which mirror the history and rich natural resources in south Louisiana. This includes a state-of-the-art observatory, swamp nature center located in the urban core, equestrian park, Zoo, performing arts theatre, arboretum, botanical garden, a water park with the only surfing simulator in the state, golf courses throughout the parish and an expansive 30,000-foot concrete extreme sports park. Throughout its history, BREC has taken seriously its responsibility to improve the health, safety, environment and quality of life for all citizens. Since 2004, BREC has constructed community parks, dog parks, a family-sized Aquatics Center, a growing trails system, fishing ponds, larger playgrounds and procured two mobile recreation units to serve play deserts in the area.