NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – The tree at the center of a debate over green space in New Orleans City Park was cut down and removed Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the last protester fell from it.
Ten days ago, two protesters climbed the tree and refused to come down. After five days, a woman who identified herself as, Heart, climbed down as police threaten to arrest and charge anyone still remaining in the tree.
On Tuesday, (March 24,) the last protester, named Lloyd, fell from the tree injuring his leg. According to one park worker, Orleans Parish deputies are with the Lloyd and will arrest him to face a trespassing charge once he is discharged.
The tree-top campers were protesting the park’s plan to build a new golf course.
Members of City Park’s board and park workers say the new course will provide a much-needed source of revenue for the park. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the park had four golf courses. Once the new course is finished, the park will have two courses.
Tree or no tree, the issue will not be going away anytime soon. The City Park for Everyone Coalition announced Tuesday that they are filing a federal lawsuit against City Park to stop the golf course from ever being built. The coalition is holding their first public meeting Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at 42 Dreyfous Dr.
