Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
29
LAFRENIERE PARK: SUBURBAN
SANCTUARY
BOUNDARIES:
David Dr., Wytchwood Dr., Madewood Dr., Park Manor Dr., Judith St., W.
Napoleon Ave.
DISTANCE:
1.5 miles
PARKING:
Free parking throughout park
PUBLIC TRANSIT:
Jefferson Transit Bus E1 (Veterans)
Big-box stores, chain restaurants, and strip shopping centers—they pretty much define Vet-
erans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie, a sprawling suburb just west of New Orleans. But
thanks to the efforts of a citizens' group back in the early 1970s, the 155-acre Lafreniere
Park was born, becoming the center of recreational life in what would become one of the
most populous areas of southern Louisiana. Named after Nicolas Chauvin de la Frénière, a
former Louisiana attorney general who inherited the land in the mid-18th century, the park
opened in 1982, after voters approved a bond issue to acquire the land.
Over the past three decades, the park has evolved into a destination, inviting tourists and
locals alike to take in its fountains, lagoons, gardens, and trails. Among the park's high-
lights is a boardwalk through Marsh Island, a wildlife habitat where visitors can easily spot
such species as ibis, sandpipers, geese, swans, and egret. For children, the park offers a
4,000-square-foot spray park and an old-fashioned carousel. If they play soccer, chances
are they'll be competing at Lafreniere, which has five soccer fields and four softball fields.
The park's newest additions are Bark Park (a gated dog park) and a disc golf course.
Lafreniere is home to some of the area's most popular holiday events, including the Uncle
Sam Jam, a Fourth of July extravaganza; Park-a-Boo, a Halloween shindig for children;
and Holiday in the Park, a spectacular Christmas-light display with a 60-foot sea serpent in
the lagoon, a princess and her magical castle, and the gingerbread man.
•
From Veterans Memorial Boulevard, drive south on Downs Boulevard, cross
over North Scenic Drive, and pull into the parking lot to the left. Start off by
walking southwest along Downs across from the park's soccer fields. To the
left is the first of many lakes that you'll see as you make your way around the
park. Benches surround the lake, making it a pleasant spot to read a book or
pose for photos.
