New Anchor For New Orleans

"'We see it as a sort of focal point in the center of the park where people can congregate,' said Chief Executive Officer Bob Becker, the park's chief executive officer.

'It will be a place to meet, picnic or throw a Frisbee, smooch, hang out, read a book or sunbathe. All the kinds of things that people like to do in a big open area.'

Becker said the Great Lawn will tie into many of the park's signature attractions, including Storyland and the children's amusement area. It will be bordered on one side by the Peristyle and on the other by a new fountain or a large sculpture, or possibly a combination of both features. Tricentennial Place will stretch from Marconi Drive Avenue to the Bestoff Sculpture Garden.

With the money in hand, Becker said plans call for construction on the Great Lawn to begin by December and to be completed in less than a year."