New Anchor For New Orleans

New Orleans officials say they have enough grants and private funds to move forward on a "Great Lawn" park for the city, functioning as a gathering place and a link to other attractions.

1 minute read

July 16, 2008, 7:00 AM PDT

By Larry Schooler


"'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."

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 in New Orleans Times-Picayune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

6 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

3 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

4 hours ago - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive