Linear Park at West End!

This project continues on its journey from concept to reality. See the current plans and pictures of what the area looks like now. The basic concepts are both simple and exciting. An area of rubble that affords little opportunity for enjoying the beauty of the western exposure of West End and the Lake is transformed into an open green space, with paths, benches, small shelters and a constructed wetlands to help the rejuvenation of the Lake. It will connect a restored West End Park to three great opportunities further north on Breakwater Drive – the fishing pier and boat launch at the corner and the large open green space facing the Lake to the North (referred to on area maps as “Breakwater Park”). And, one day, restaurants and retail are likely to be back in place at the southern end of this linear park. When all are completed, a reconstructed harbor would be surrounded by “U” shaped park space, with restaurants & retail at one corner and outdoor recreation at the other. The linear park as the middle leg of the “U” is the critical feature. The Friends of West End is working in conjunction with the Municipal Yacht Harbor Management Corporation and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation on this project – but we can”t do it without your help – please join the Friends of West End today by clicking HERE.

West End Park Master Plan

The Park’s finest days to date were some decades ago. Those days can and will return, though it will take thought, planning, money and persistence. The Park presents an excellent place to begin, as it will not be damaged by harbor reconstruction and is not subject to any of the takings that will be involved in building the pumping station. Consequently, a Master Plan for West End Park is currently being developed. One public meeting was held several months ago. The next is scheduled for 6:00 PM on the evening of Thursday, February 25 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at the corner of Canal Blvd. and Harrison.

The first focus is on defining the best and most desirable uses for the Park, followed by identifying capital improvements required to allow for such activities. Once those capital improvements are identified, prioritized and priced, the multi-year Master Plan will focus on which will be undertaken in which year. Then begins the process of raising the money, project by project, one year after the next. It will take five years or so to get to the finish line, but it will be worth the time, the money and the effort, if done well.

Like many other parts of New Orleans’ rebirth after Katrina, this is about people, not just about government. The Master Plan will reflect what people have to say in several public meetings, guided by paid and pro bono professionals. Whether you made it to the first public meeting or make it to the one on the 25th, there will be plenty of time for your input. There will be at least one further public meeting, you can email suggestions via the “Contact” section in this website.

Signs of Progress

After languishing for four and a half years since Hurricane Katrina, West End is finally taking some tangible steps towards healing. Through your generous donations, many volunteer hours and assistance from Sizeler Brown Architects, the first stage of the landscaping at the entrance to West End Park has been completed. While only a start for the long range goals of the Friends of West End, it was decided that this landscaping was an important symbol to show that indeed progress is coming.

Furthermore, this week also saw the prep work to enable the professional study of the Darlington Prismatic Fountain located at West End park. Through a generous $20,000 donation from the Azby Fund to the Friends of West End, we should know in the near future what the feasibility is for restoring this great asset for all who frequent West End.

Please help us achieve the goals set out by you during the West End master planning process by joining the FOWE today. Thanks.

Study of the 1915 Darlington Prism Fountain

With the study to determine the feasibility of restoring the rare Darlington Prismatic Fountain located at West End Park set to begin next week, site prep work started in earnest yesterday. The fountain, which has lain dormant and neglected for over thirty years, is currently the subject of a generous $20,000 grant to the Friends of West End from the Azby Fund.

Obviously in disrepair with standing water in the mechanical areas and having been filled in with dirt by the city of New Orleans, the study to be undertaken by Dominic Shaw of Waterline Studios will determine if this asset can be restored and returned to at least a semblance of its previous glory.

As one of apparently only three Darlington Fountains to remain in existence, the fountain at West End Park could become a major asset to the area especially when combined with several goals discovered by the Friends of West End master plan. In 2008, the city of Denver underwent a major refurbishment of their Darlington Fountain and today it has become a major draw for family oriented activities and concerts.

Please help support the Friends of West End in reaching our goals by joining today.

Floodwall Reconstruction Begins

As part of the Corps of Engineers’ completion of 100-year flood protection, construction has begun to replace the floodwalls and floodgates and improve the levees between the 17th Street Canal and Topaz Street in West Lakeshore. To do so, the Corps’ prime contractor, Tetra Tech EC, Inc. has started demolition of the existing floodwalls.

The 18-month project, which extends from the 17th Street Canal along Lake Marina Drive and Pontchartrain Blvd to Topaz Street, includes replacing I-walls with T-walls and replacing the Orleans Marina floodgates.

According to Tetra Tech, work will continue until the start of the 2010 hurricane season when all work will cease on the floodwalls. Construction will then resume at the end of the storm season. During this cessation of work, residents have been assured that there will be no gaps in our floodwall protection.