GNO, Inc. Sunday Night Highlight – 🌳 City Park 2050 🌳
City Park in New Orleans is one of the oldest and the 6th largest urban park in America, 50% bigger than Central Park in New York City. City Park holds the world’s most extensive collection of mature live oak trees, as well as renowned attractions like the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. (Personally, I remember taking the mini City Park train as a child 🚂)
Now, City Park has a plan for the future: The City Park Conservancy has approved a sweeping long-term vision, unveiling City Park 2050, a development and community engagement plan that will shape the 1,300-acre greenspace through midcentury. The plan reflects one of the most extensive community engagement efforts in the park’s 170-year history. “City Park is truly the city’s park. It belongs to all of us, and it deserves the very best of our collective care and investment,” said Rebecca Dietz, president and CEO of City Park Conservancy.
Highlights of City Park 2050 include:
- Restoration of Native Louisiana Landscapes – Large areas, especially north of I-610, will be transformed into diverse native habitats to improve ecology and biodiversity
- New Trail Networks – Expanded and accessible trails with lagoon crossings and shaded seating will connect fragmented landscapes like Couturie Forest, Scout Island, and Nursery Island
- The Nature Landing Hub – A new visitor center offering restrooms, water stations, concessions, educational spaces, and panoramic views, designed to blend into natural surroundings
- Nature Play Areas for Children – Playgrounds integrated under live oaks with sand, water, climbing, and mist-play features, serving all ages and abilities
- Revitalized Lagoon System – Shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration, and new water access for boating and fishing
- Athletic Field Upgrades – Improved drainage, lighting, and amenities (restrooms, concessions, shaded seating), plus new multi-use sports courts
- Festival Grounds Redesign – Diversified landscapes with marsh gardens, no-mow tree zones, shaded decks, and expanded multi-use trails for events and everyday recreation
- Roosevelt Mall Transformation – Narrowed roads, safer pedestrian crossings, new understory planting, shaded seating, and flexible civic spaces for art, vendors, and gatherings
- Improved Entrances & Water Feature – More welcoming gateways and a signature water feature to strengthen the sense of belonging for all visitors
- Amphitheater & Concessions Gardens – A new event amphitheater near Tad Gormley Stadium, supported by concessions areas and trails, expanding cultural and entertainment offerings
You can find the City Park 2050 Executive Summary here.
