NEW ORLEANS – On Tuesday, Mayor Cantrell joined other city officials to celebrate the opening of the $1.9 million Lafitte Greenway Clubhouse. The new clubhouse is home to a 1,570-square-foot concession and restroom facility along with storage space and an open patio area. It will eventually have outdoor picnic tables for seating.
“This is a great investment in our infrastructure and something that will greatly improve amenities for families to enjoy the park facilities,” said Mayor Cantrell. “The Greenway has become an integral part of the interior of the city, and I cannot wait to see the activity it will generate in the area for years to come. Thank you to all of our departments that worked on this effort, and to our partners that advocated to make this a reality.”
“Green space is important to our residents, particularly during this pandemic. The Cantrell administration has prioritized open space and resilience in the projects funded through the city’s bond program, in part because of what we’ve learned during the pandemic,” said Ramsey Green, Deputy CAO for Infrastructure. “The Lafitte Greenway connects multiple parts of the city via protected bike lanes, nature and greenery, and recreation activities for everyone from children to seniors. This project is an investment in the future of our city, keeping designers and constructions workers working, keeping our buildings safe against flooding and wind, and keeping children safe by giving them a healthy space to play.”
“The Lafitte Greenway Clubhouse is a great example of our City’s commitment to outdoor recreation through investments in our park facilities,” said Jared C. Brossett, City Councilmember, District D. “This clubhouse complements the variety of outdoor recreation available along the Lafitte Greenway. From providing restrooms and concessions for basketball, football, and soccer games to a place to rest while walking or biking the trail, this is a substantial investment in our community and our residents.”
“NORD is excited to cut a ribbon today, officially opening the Lemann Playground Clubhouse,” said Larry Barabino, Jr., NORD CEO. “This new restroom and concessions building will allow NORD to expand outdoor programming, fitness, athletic, and public rental and revenue-generating options offered to residents. The Clubhouse will also provide a critical water source to assist with maintaining the athletic fields along the Greenway year-round.”
“The opening of the Clubhouse caps off a transformative year for the Lafitte Greenway. Public outdoor spaces have never been more important, and thanks to the City’s leadership and partnership, in 2020 we celebrated the opening of the Greenway Plaza, Brake Tag Station Pavilion, and All-Inclusive Playground by Bayou St. John, and now this excellent clubhouse facility in Tremé-Lafitte. Every day, the Greenway’s fields and Great Lawn are busy with neighbors playing basketball and soccer, dancing and practicing yoga, swinging on the playground, and working out on the fitness park. The restrooms and concessions at the new clubhouse are a high-quality facility to serve the community’s needs and expand opportunities for more activity here in the years ahead,” said Sophie Harris Vorhoff, Executive Director, Friends of Lafitte Greenway.
This building is located on the southern end of the Lafitte Greenway Park amid the outdoor sports fields area. The building was intentionally elevated to enhance its storm water resilience capabilities. The 2.6-mile-long Lafitte Greenway has become one of NORD’s most versatile park and multi-use properties in the City.
In total, under the Cantrell administration, the City’s capital investment in facilities and parks in District D totals $47 million. This includes projects such as the Parks & Parkways Green House, Nora Navra Library, Juvenile Justice Intervention Center expansion, Hunters Field Phase III addition, Hard Playground, Joe Bartholomew Golf Course/ Pontchartrain Park Walking Path, and the Bunny Friend Restroom/Concession Building renovations.
