1 down, 1 to go: Couple climbs tree to protest new golf course in City Park

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – At Tuesday’s 3 p.m. deadline, a woman climbed down from a tree in New Orleans’ City Park and was escorted from the area. The woman was one of two people who were protesting the construction of a new golf course at the park. She was allowed to leave with friends who drove her from the area. The woman only identified herself as “Heart”. She said that she and the other man, who she identified as Lloyd, met five days ago. “We need to start caring for ourselves, and nature is part of that.  So let’s be bold and take care of everything, everyone,” Heart said once she was escorted outside the fence surrounding the golf course construction area. She said they both had the idea — at the same time — to climb into the tree which is inside the fenced construction area for the new golf course. Park workers said the man who remained in the tree was trespassing and would have an arrest warrant waiting for him once he decides to come down. “He was told that until 3 o’clock he could leave.  The park didn’t want to press charges.  But that window has come and gone,” said City Park Chief Development Officer John Hopper. Historically, City Park had four golf courses. Post-Katrina, the park rebuild one. Construction of the second golf course comes after a series of heated meetings over the past few years. Supporters of the new, professional grade course say it could one-day host PGA events. Opponents want the area to remain a wooded wildlife area.