Dispatch From New Orleans

90-Second Witness — Today in City Park — Oct. 24, 2009

Today in City Park — Oct. 23, 2009 — The Great Lawn palms have arrived

We've been following the construction of the Great Lawn in City Park, between the Peristyle and Storyland. And on this day, the palms arrived. See the grand plan.

It's coming . . . to City Park . . . The Voodoo Experience

Are you ready?

See details here

The little red train winds through City Park

See a map of City Park

The boat house at Big Lake

Here's the charming new boat house at Big Lake in City Park. Below is a sign with more information on renting boats. See a map of City Park

How City Park came to be

This sign is on City Park Avenue, just west of Carrollton Avenue. Read more history of the park. 

See a map of City Park

The walking path around Big Lake is open

The path is open and is becoming very popular. You can see the boat dock in the background.

See a map of City Park

New row boats and peddle boats at City Park

You can see more about renting these boats on the City Park website.

See a map of City Park

Great Lawn at City Park

Above you see a rendering of the Great Lawn at City Park, which is between the peristyle and Storyland. Click on photo to see it bigger. Below is the construction in progress. It's all very exciting! See a map of City Park

New tables outside cafe in City Park

These new tables, chairs and umbrellas just showed up outside the cafe (the old casino building) in City Park. They are exceptional quality and so comfortable. And so colorful!

See a map of City Park

Today in City Park — Oct. 21, 2009 — New sculpture

New sculpture just showed up at City Park near Big Lake and the Art Museum.

See a map of City Park

Two boys catch a fish at City Park

This is just outside the Peristyle. See a map of City Park

Today in City Park — Oct. 8, 2009

Thank goodness so many ancient oaks survived the break of the levees following Katrina. This is a footpath running parallel to City Park Avenue.

See a map of City Park

Kids loving up a dog in the Peristyle at City Park

This happy little scene happened during Labor Day, when the park was filled with joyous people and the aromas of barbecues.

Boating reopens in City Park

City Park will celebrate the re-installment of boating in the park on Saturday, Sept. 26. Eight new pedal boats and 10 new row boats will be available for rental from the Big Lake Boat Dock. See map. 

A blessing of the fleet will take place mid-morning at 11am. Father John Ryan of Lafitte, who blesses the shrimp boats before they set out on their Spring-time quest, will bless each boat with holy water before its inaugural "sail." 

The Boy Scouts of St. Pius X School will be present, decorating kites and flying them high in celebration. Rental to the public will begin after the blessing and after the boy scouts are given the privilege of the first rides. Boats will be available for rental on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at $10 per half hour. Pedal boats seat 4; Row boats 3. At least one passenger on each boat must be 18 or older.

More info: (504) 483-9381