I've written before about Brechtel Park in Algiers, reminding everyone that we have a diamond in the rough - 112 acres on the America's Wetland Birding Trail that is right in our own backyards and has the potential to rival any other park on the West Bank.
I try to keep up with what's going on with the park through newsletters from the Friends of Brechtel Park. When my newsletter arrived this week, I was shocked to find out that there is no money (as in zero, zilch, nada) being budgeted by the New Orleans City Council for improvements to the park. In both 2000 and 2004, Brechtel Park was included in bond issuances approved by New Orleans voters. To date, no capital improvements have been made and now there are no funds being allocated for the next FIVE years. Click here for more details about the lack of funding.
I remember when I was a teen and in my early 20s, the park would be jam packed on the weekends with people picnicking and grilling, fishing, playing baseball or softball and children running up and down the "hills". I have pictures of my oldest son, who is now 23, fishing with a cane pole from the banks of the lagoon. I have memories of kite flying contests and frisbee games and getting up early on a weekend morning to be sure that we could get a "good spot" to spend the day at.
Curiosity got the better of me after reading the newsletter, so I took a drive through Brechtel this afternoon. It's a beautiful day...sunny, mild temperatures...perfect for being outside. I can't begin to express how sad I was that I saw only a handful of people in the park. One family was walking, one was packing up from lunch and playtime and the only person using the baseball field was the gentleman practicing his fly fishing technique. My husband (who used to be a New Orleans police officer) remarked that years ago, there were regular police patrols through the park on the weekends because there were so many people crowding in. That certainly is no longer the case....
From a distance, it's still just as beautiful as it ever was, even though many of the old trees were lost during Katrina.
Up close, the tell-tale signs of neglect are evident in picnic tables that can't be used, benches overlooking the lagoon that are overgrown with vines, rusty pipes that used to hold BBQ grills, the old sand lot that is covered in weeds, and the single port-o-let that serves as the restroom for the entire back section of the park.
The original master plan for the park included a butterfly garden, a water park, additional restrooms, a bird viewing tower, a jogging and biking trail, a multi-purpose center and more. After today's visit, I'd be happy to just see the badly needed repairs done.
What can you do to help?
First, consider joining the Friends of Brechtel Park - volunteer your time or your talent on one of the 13 committees that desperately need a helping hand. There is currently an opportunity to apply for a $50,000 grant from the KABOOM organization to add playground equipment to the park and assistance is needed with the grant application.
Second, contact James Carter (District C Councilman), Jackie Clarkson (Council-at-large) and Ann McDonald (Parks and Parkways Commission) and advocate for funding for the park.
Third, make a donation!
I have already volunteered to join the board - won't you join me?
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel and West Bank Living. All rights reserved.
Lisa, great job on this post. I hope you and others in the community can convince the city to allocate money to make the much needed repairs to the park. I'm cheering you on, as always! :)
Judi, I spent last night drafting an email to my council person, the council president and the head of the parks and parkways commission. Every neighborhood deserves to have their park maintained and since the voters approved funds to do it, I want the officials to make good on that promise.
Lisa, this looks like an amazing park! I hope that the community can come together to get this park back on track. I get so upset when things are left neglected and the "government process" gets in the way of neighbors helping each other. I hope you can help find a solution.
Lisa, keep us updated on your progress. Neighborhood parks are an important part of any community. They reflect the pride of the community. I know the area has had its challenges the past few years, thanks to Katrina, but if the funds were approved by the community, then why hasn't the work been done and when will it be done?
I'm in love with my area parks and it sounds like you are as well. Great that you have taken the next step to be involved!!!
Jo, it is an amazing place and I think that whoever is in control of the funding that was promised should be ashamed that the only location on the America's Wetland Birding Trail in New Orleans is this park that needs help!
Judi, good questions. I'm trying to find out the answers.
Kim, that first step is the hardest, huh? But I'm committed and even got hubby to make a couple of calls for me today to people who might be able to help!
Wow, what a powerful post! I live in New Orleans but have a son, daughter-in-law, and 2 grandsons who live on the West Bank. This is a beautiful part. what a waste it's not being kept up. I'll stay tned for your progress there.
Ann, thanks for your support. If your family lives in Orleans Parish, please ask them to email or call the representatives listed above - every little bit helps!