GOING GREEN IN JEFFERSON PARISH
Lafreniere Park, Metairie
by Karon Warren From gators to bird sanctuaries and disc golf
a splash pad (open seasonally), two playgrounds and
to floating cabins, Jefferson Parish’s parks offer a
more than enough green space for chasing Frisbees,
wealth of variety to soak up the great outdoors.
flying kites and running off all that excess energy
Home to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and minutes from the French Quarter in New Orleans, Jefferson Parish overflows
they always have. On the horizon is a new mini golf course and paddleboats on the 20-acre lagoon. Speaking of golf, Lafreniere Park will challenge
with green space where you can take in the region’s
the best athletes with its 18-hole disc golf course.
prolific wildlife, nature trails and sporting fields.
This, in addition to several multi-use sports fields
From city parks to state parks and even a national
plus two brand-new, FIFA-certified, lighted synthetic
park, there’s something here to appeal to every
turf fields. These fields are ideal for your team’s next
outdoor enthusiast—and even those who are not.
travel tournament.
LAFRENIERE PARK
Perhaps the best asset of Lafreniere Park is its many pockets of green space where you can just
The largest park on Jefferson Parish’s East
wander, taking in the sights and sounds around
Bank (east of the Mississippi River), Lafreniere Park
you. For instance, on a breezy day, head over to
covers 155 acres with so many amenities you could
the Singing Oaks, where you can listen to the tinkle
spend your entire visit exploring a new corner of
of wind chimes hanging from the trees’ boughs.
the park to see them all. If you are staying in one of
Or stroll through the bird sanctuary, and see how
the nearby hotels, skip the fitness center and head
many different species you can spot. You can even
to the 2-mile jogging trail for your daily workout.
search for wildlife along the boardwalk in the park’s
Along the way, you’ll find two workout stations to
manmade ecological marsh environment.
get in your strength training along with your cardio.
No matter what you choose to do at Lafreniere
If your furry best friend is traveling with you, bring
Park, you can be sure of one thing: The memories
him to the park as well, which contains a dog park
you make will be ever lasting.
where he can get his own workout in. Families visiting Lafreniere Park will find more than enough to keep the kids entertained, whether for an hour or the day. The park contains a carousel,
PARC DES FAMILLES
At first glance, Parc des Familles appears to be like many other community parks. There are the CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
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