Regarding Lafreniere Park In Metairie Louisiana

Article Written By: David Mims

Lafreniere Park is to New Orleans as Central Park is to New York City. Pronounced lah-fren-YERE, the 155-acre green space is located at 3000 Downs Boulevard in Metairie, Louisiana. The property was originally part of a 5,000 acre land grant to Nicolas Chauvin de la Freniere from Jean-Baptiste le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville. Through generations of that family, the property at one time was the location of Jefferson Downs Racetrack. After being destroyed by Hurricane Betsy in 1965, the track was moved to another location. This left a vacant area on which the community members eventually rallied to build their park project.

Lafreniere Park was funded by passing a five-million dollar bond issue, which subsequently earned matching federal dollars. This grass roots effort initiated a very well-planned, and beautiful, public area for which the citizens could be proud. Construction began on the park in 1977, and was mostly completed by 1982, when it was dedicated. The original design was a success, and although some of the elements were never built, the finished product furnishes many recreational opportunities, both active and passive.

A favorite gathering area for celebrations is the meadow area. Its hills and trees offer a site for celebrations such as those held on the Fourth of July. Shelters around the property are available for picnics and most have water and power. Through the office, reservations can be made for special occasions.

Much of the beauty of the project is due to the water designs, such as the man-made waterfall. There is also a twenty-acre lagoon, winding through the property, providing opportunities for fishing. Although the whole park is a dedicated bird sanctuary, Marsh Island is an area where people gather to watch and feed geese, swans, and ducks. They can also observe plants and other animals native to Louisiana, while visiting the beautiful gazebo located at the end of an elevated walkway.

There is a memorial garden in honor of children who have lost their lives. It is a formal garden, modeled after symmetrical sites in France. Two other areas in the park are equipped with playground structures for young children. Designed to be ADA compliant, they are close to the carousel and to the park office.

Other recreational amenities provided by the park include a 2-mile jogging trail called the Health Trac, a free 19-hole Frisbee golf course, soccer fields, and softball fields. Facilities for special gatherings are the 80-foot diameter Pavilion, the large Foundation Center facility, and the Carousel, which has 30 moving horses, a zebra, a tiger and 2 chariots. One chariot is handicapped accessible.

When visiting Lafreniere Park, the smoke-free Holiday Inn Metairie New Orleans Airport Hotel is conveniently located for easy access to the park or other nearby attractions in Jefferson Parish. The hotel provides all the services needed for a business trip, a quick weekend getaway, or an extended vacation. Some amenities are complimentary Wi-Fi, room service or on-site grill, Kids Eat Free Program, outdoor pool, fitness center, in-room refrigerator and coffee makers, 32-inch HD TVs and microwaves, lounge, guest laundry, business center, meeting space, gift shop, and complimentary airport shuttle.

About the Author

Planning a trip to fabulous Lafreniere Park in Metairie Louisiana ? Get the low down on the best accommodation now in our Holiday Inn Metairie LA overview.

You Can Link Directly to "Regarding Lafreniere Park In Metairie Louisiana" by using the url:
http://www.allbestarticles.com//travel/hotels-and-restaurants/regarding-lafreniere-park-in-metairie-louisiana.html

This Article Has Been Published on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 and Read 277 Times

Find All Best Articles at http://www.allbestarticles.com

Rating: Not yet rated

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.

Related information on Hotels and Restaurants

Unforgettable Dining Experiences in Cornwall
Buy Your Designer Bargains In Round Rock Prime Outlet
Fun For The Whole Family At Tropicana Field
Regarding Lafreniere Park In Metairie Louisiana
Austin City Limits Festival And Places To Stay
Visit Torrevieja For Your Dream Vacation
City Hotel Is Convenient For Wilmington Blues Festival
Local Hotel Is Convenient For Hank Williams Museum In Montgomery, Alabama
Locating Good Cincinnati OH Hotels For Travelers
Info About The University Of Phoenix Stadium And Where To Reside When Touring It
West Palm Beach Sunfest For Music By The Water
What Can You Expect At The Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Locating Suitable Hotels For Visitors Close To The South Florida Fairgrounds
Dover International Speedway Welcomes All Race Fans
Getting Catering Service Work For Your Party Food Demands
Historic Southern City Has Much To Offer For Guests At Montgomery Alabama Hotels
Experience Asheville, NC Restaurants at Thanksgiving
Romantic Dining in Nags Head North Carolina
Anna Maria Island Restaurants
Find the best ny restaurants
Best ny restaurant reviews and user view
Napa Valley Dining Culinary Travel in California's Wine Country
How To Find The Best Deals/Promotions When Looking For A Place To Eat
Happy Hour Jupiter - Have fun While Visting Jupiter Restaurant
Tips on How to Manage a Restaurant