Saturday, February 26, 2011

Facts About Lafreniere Park In Metairie Louisiana

By David Mims


The 155-acre Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana, is like a scaled-down 843-acre Central Park in New York City. It is pronounced as lah-fren-YERE. Part of a 5,000-acre land grant to Nicholas de la Freniere from Bienville, it once held the race track at Jefferson Downs. In 1965, the track was wiped out by Hurricane Betsy. The land was then used to plan and build this park.

Paid for with a 5-million dollar bond issue, and a matching federal grant, the project was well designed and planned. It created a beautiful, green area at which its citizens could relax and play. Construction began in 1977, and it was dedicated about five years later. Some parts of the original plan were never built, but the finished project affords an opportunity for its visitors to enjoy active and passive recreation.

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.

Man-made water designs enhance the beauty of Lafreniere Park. The waterfall and the 20-acre lagoon, which meanders through the park, are some examples. The entire park is a bird sanctuary, but Marsh Island, particularly, is where people go to see and feed swans, ducks, and geese. It also provides lessons in plant and other animal life native to the state. They can also spend time at the lovely gazebo on the 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 traveling to Lafreniere Park, a conveniently located hotel is the Holiday Inn Metairie. Near the New Orleans Airport, it provides easy access to the park or other Jefferson Parish attractions. The smoke-free hotel offers any service required for business trips, short weekend getaways, or extended vacations. Some amenities include complimentary airport shuttle and Wi-Fi, room service, on-site grill, free kid meals, fitness center, outdoor pool, in-room coffee maker and refrigerator, 32-inch HD televisions, guest laundry, lounge, meeting space, business center, and a gift shop.




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