|
City
Park
 In
the Middle of New Orleans is the
5th largest urban par in the
country. More than 100 acres in size, City
Park became a
park in 1854. It is home to 250
historic oak trees which seem
define the natural beauty of New
Orleans. Many of the Oaks are
older than the park's inception.
The trees have a great history in
the formation of New Orleans, as many a duel had been
fought here beneath the mammoth
branches on early foggy mornings.
(A
walking tour designates these
particular oaks).
In
City Park there are "flying
horses" -- one of just a mere
100 carousels left in operation in
the nation. This is the only
operating carousel in Louisiana.
There are other rides in the park
for children, including a Ferris
wheel, a roller coaster, bumper
cars, and two miniature trains. In the "Storyland"
section, a child can enjoy
Peter Pan’s Pirate Ship, follow
Gepetto into the mouth of the
whale or climb Miss Muffet’s
Spider Web Rope Climb. There are
many puppet show performances for
the young and young-at-heart
as well.
 The
New Orleans Botanical Gardens are
definitely a sight to behold. The garden is
one of the few Works Progress
Administration (WPA) projects
still in operation on a day-to-day
basis. The 10 acre garden
features roses that give off such
a strong
fragrance, you can smell them as
you approach. The garden also has many
Art Deco period statues throughout
the grounds. The gardens are the
center of attraction during the
holiday seasons as a million
lights light up the many oaks.
Walking or auto tours are
available.
 The
park offers many areas for picnics
or play. Several bayous are found
in the park acreage. The four
Bayou Oaks Golf Courses are the
largest municipal golf facility in
the South. "Golf Digest"
named the courses at the
place to play in the New Orleans
area. Bayou Oaks features four 18
hole golf courses. Carts and club
rentals are available at the
fully-stocked pro shop.
The
park also has Tad Gormely Stadium
which contains a football
and soccer field. The Track Field
was brought up to standards for
pre-Olympic trials in the late
1990’s.
Admission
to park is free to the public.
Note:
The New Orleans Museum of Art is
located on the grounds of City
Park.
-
By Frances Vance
|
