City Park

City Park is a unique state agency of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism operated by the non-profit City Park Improvement Association (CPIA).

City Park has traditionally received little or no public operating support. Following Hurricane Katrina, the Park began to receive some operating support out of the State's General Fund. However that lasted only for a brief period of time. For the last several years the Park has received no operating support from the State's General Fund. The Park does receive support from the tax on slot machines at the Fairgrounds and a small sum from a similar tax on other racetracks in the State. This support only accounts for approximately 16% of the Park's operating budget requiring the Park to raise 84% of its operating budget from self-generated revenues.

Once the site of Allard Plantation facing Bayou St. John, City Park's 1,300 acres offer visitors a sample of the city's riches both in fine art and natural splendor. City Park is home of the New Orleans Museum of Art and the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world. Trees in the oldest grove are over 600 years old.

CPIA was established in 1891 to provide for the improvement of City Park. The Louisiana Legislature placed City Park under the control of CPIA in 1896 and invested it with the authority to operate and develop the park.

Spanning the transition in art and architecture between Neo-Classical revival and Art Deco styles, the park's bridges, buildings and outdoor sculptures are a constant source of delight to visitors.

The first parcel of land was acquired in 1854, making it one of the country's oldest parks. A series of expansions over time have expanded the Park to its present size.

At 1,300 acres, City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country.

Today's 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. A popular place to picnic, play a favorite sport, wander through its gardens or take a boat ride, the park hosts 11 million visitors each year. It is located in the heart of the city and is the largest recreation area for the entire metropolitan area.

City Park's attractions include the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Storyland fairytale playground, and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park delight visitors of all ages. In addition, several facilities are available to host any public or private event from a formal wedding to a casual picnic, a concert to a business meeting. The hundreds of acres of park land provide enjoyment for young children playing on our playgrounds and walkers, joggers, and bicyclists winding through the Park's streets and trails.

Friends of City Park is a separate 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that raises money to help support the Park.

The New Orleans Botanical Garden Foundation, also a 501 (c) 3, raises money to support the Botanical Garden, one of the Park's attractions.

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