Lafreniere Park
| Lafreniere Park | |
|---|---|
Metairie, Louisiana | |
| Area | 155 acres (0.242 sq mi) |
| Opened | 1982 |
| Etymology | Nicolas Chauvin de La Frénière |
| Website | www |
Lafreniere Park is the largest park in Metairie, Louisiana.[1] The park is funded by local residents surrounding the park, and a few dollars are added onto their water bill every month.
History
Nicolas Chauvin de la Frenière (senior) received a 5,000 acre (20 km2)
Development Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| February 10, 1973 | Voters approve bond issue for the acquisition of the old Jefferson Downs Race Track |
| August 23, 1973 | Jefferson Parish acquires an undivided one-half interest in the Downs property with option to acquire balance within an eighteen-month period |
| September 27, 1973 | Council Ordinance #11376 establishes the Lafreniere Park Advisory Board |
| June 11, 1974 | Jefferson Parish acquires balance of the Downs property |
| January 2, 1975 | Adoption of the Lafreniere Park Master Plan |
| September 16, 1977 | Groundbreaking ceremony for the development of Lafreniere Park |
| November 6, 1982 | Dedication of Lafreniere Park |
Wildlife
The park features extensive array of wildlife, including a wide variety of birds, squirrels. turtles, rabbits, raccoons, opossums and coypu (or Nutria). Commonly seen species are White Ibis, (Canadian, African, and Chinese) Geese, Black Swan, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, and Great Egret. They are easy to photograph from a distance of about 20 to 30 feet. One side of the park contains a
Layout
Two large playgrounds provide a fenced-in area for small children to play, complete with benches and covered tables for their parents. The park is also home to a carousel.
In the middle of the park is a man-made lagoon, with three islands. Pavilion Island is near the center, and contains a large pavilion. Marsh Island is home to much of the park's wildlife and features a boardwalk. Large man-made hills blanket some fields, while leaving others open for various activities, such as disc golf. The largest of these hills, located on the north side of the park near the concert pavilion, is colloquially referred to by locals as Coon Hill, due to the large population of raccoons present in the park. A two-mile walking and jogging track encircles the park, with three stretching gyms located at intervals around it.
A 5-acre dog park is located in the northeast of the park, with separate fenced areas for small and large dogs.[2]
Sports
Lafreniere Park contains five fields for
Christmas in the Park
The park is decorated every December with elaborate light displays, which can be viewed on foot or (for a fee) by vehicle. During the event, children's craft activities are provided near the Pavilion Island parking lots, and local school bands perform on stage.[6]
Ground Photos
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References
- ^ "Lafreniere Park". lafrenierepark.org. Retrieved 2018-03-10.
- ^ "Facilities". Retrieved 2020-09-23.
- ^ "Jesuit High School Takes Varsity Title at Allstate Sugar Bowl Lacrosse Classic". allstatesugarbowl.org. Retrieved 2017-08-25.
- ^ "Rugby and Field Hockey" (PDF). aauresults.org. Retrieved 2018-06-20.
- ^ "Loyola-NO/Allstate Sugar Bowl XC Festival 2017" (PDF). cfpitiming.com. Retrieved 2018-03-10.
- ^ "Lafreniere Park Christmas". Retrieved 2020-09-23.
External links
- Lafreniere Park Official Site
- Lafreniere Park Photo Gallery - please note, all images on this site are copyrighted and require written consent to use.
- Lafreniere Park History at www.JeffParish.net[permanent dead link]