John Hopper
Chief Development Officer &
Director of Public Affairs

1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
neworleanscitypark.com

jhopper@nocp.org
(504) 259-1509

80 New Crepe Myrtles Planted in City Park


New Orleans (May 16, 2016)

Wisner Boulevard between Robert E. Lee and Harrison is not the most heavily trafficked section of the Park these days since the Wisner I-610 Overpass has been removed. If you do travel down Wisner, however, you'll notice that large crepe myrtles were planted in the neutral ground this week.

In all 80 trees were planted. The trees were installed by Charvet's Garden Center and are from LaFleur's Nursery in Washington, Louisiana. The trees cost $39,600.00. In a group effort, funding for this project was provided by the Department of Parks and Parkways Plant a Tree Trust Fund and New Orleans City Park.

To prepare for the planting, the Department of Parks and Parkways removed 24 diseased or damaged crepe myrtle trees on the site and ground each stump location plus ten additional former tree locations. The new trees are located in the Wisner neutral ground between the new interstate 610 overpass currently under construction and Robert E. Lee Boulevard.

Why Wisner you may ask? Wisner has seen significant increased traffic - pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular - over the past decade and is a compelling portion of the Bayou Saint John and New Orleans City Park experience. The Department of Public Works will be adding a bike lane and pedestrian walkway to the new Wisner overpass. This will greatly increase opportunities for exploration along this corridor. In addition, this project supports the ongoing management of the City's urban forest priorities.

Big and beautiful, the new trees will hopefully put on a colorful pink show later this year.

About City Park:
City Park: is distinguished by its large menu of sports and recreational activities, attractions for children, and its natural beauty. City Park has a special place in the hearts of generations of New Orleanians and is a must visit for visitors to the city. As a popular place to picnic, play a favorite sport, wander through its gardens or take a boat ride- the park receives millions of visitors each year. It is located in the heart of the city and is the largest recreation area for the entire metropolitan area. Attractions include: City Putt, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Storyland fairytale playground, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and numerous athletic venues. The 1,300 acres of parkland provide enjoyment for young children playing on our playgrounds and walkers, joggers, and bicyclists winding through the park's streets and trails.

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