New Orleans City Park

Established in 1854, New Orleans City Park stands as one of the oldest and most storied urban parks in the United States. Originally part of the Allard Plantation, the land was bequeathed to the city by philanthropist John McDonogh. Its early years were defined by the presence of the 'Dueling Oaks,' where gentlemen would settle scores under the sprawling canopies of ancient live oaks, some of which are estimated to be over 800 years old, predating the founding of the city itself. During the Great Depression, the park underwent a massive transformation thanks to the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This era saw the construction of many of the park's most iconic features, including the New Orleans Botanical Garden, the Tad Gormley Stadium, and a series of Art Deco bridges and sculptures. The WPA investment turned the park into a premier recreational destination, providing jobs for thousands of residents and creating a lasting legacy of public art and infrastructure that remains central to the park's identity today. In 2005, the park faced its greatest challenge when Hurricane Katrina struck, leaving 95 percent of its 1,300 acres under saltwater for weeks. The disaster caused millions of dollars in damage and killed a significant portion of the park's plant life. However, a monumental community-led recovery effort saw thousands of volunteers come together to replant and rebuild. Today, City Park is more vibrant than ever, serving as a resilient symbol of the city's spirit and a lush sanctuary that is 50 percent larger than New York's Central Park.