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.
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.
The meadow area, complete with trees and hills, is often a gathering place for large groups, such as the celebration on Independence Day. Visitors can hold picnics at shelters scattered around the area, most complete with power and water. Some of the public shelters can be reserved through the office 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.
The memorial garden honors children whose lives were shortened for any reason. The symmetrical plan resembles a formal, French garden. Two other parts of the property specifically for children are the Tot Playgrounds. The equipment is ADA compliant and located near the park office and the park carousel.
Other recreational opportunities afforded by Lafreniere are a Frisbee golf course, soccer and softball fields, and the two-mile Health Trac. Special gatherings can be held at the Foundation Center, or the eighty-foot diameter Pavilion. Another is the Carousel, which has a zebra, a tiger, 2 chariots, and thirty moving horses.
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.
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.
