NOLA Bike to Work Day was launched in 2012 to raise awareness about the benefits of biking and about regional developments that are making biking easier and safer for riders.

What's in bloom in City Park, you ask? 

So many flowers, flowers, and more flowers! Spring is here and I'm sure you join me in being excited about that! Everywhere you turn in City Park you'll see and smell a variety of blossoms. 

A great place to visit to see colorful flowers is the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Click this link to get a taste...

While you're walking or driving in the Park - have you noticed some fields with small, yellow, seemingly-wild flowers? We're leaving them to grow for a while on purpose so the bees have a place to bee (get it, get it?). 

Click here to learn about 5 ways you can help the bees!

It's full on spring-time at New Orleans City Park! We're seeing new buds on the trees and ducklings on the lagoons. Take a break from everything you have 'going on' and come recharge at the Park. We're here waiting on you...and so are the ducklings!

Each morning is different in City Park. Some mornings bring sunbeams through the trees and others crepe myrtle flowers gathering at your feet. Whether there's frost, fog, lots of clouds, or lots of sun - in those differences is true beauty. Each day has its own feeling. We invite you to visit soon. There's no time like the present.

New Orleans City Park is so blessed to have so many wonderful volunteers! But a great urban Park doesn't run itself. Our volunteers are essential to the day-to-day operation of City Park. When you volunteer your time as an individual or as part of a group, it is one of the most valuable contributions you can make to City Park, and you are building a better, stronger park for all of our...

Couturie Forest is the perfect place to escape from the city without ever leaving New Orleans! Combined with Scout Island, the 60-acre Couturie Forest, in New Orleans City Park, is a nature-lover’s haven filled with native trees, scenic waterways, and fascinating wildlife — all in the heart of the New Orleans. The forest is a great place to wander with your kids, family, and friends. An afternoon along the trails is more...

At approximately 800 years old the oldest tree in New Orleans City Park is the McDonogh Oak. Just think of all this tree has seen over time!

You know we at City Park LOVE our Brown Pelicans!

The construction on the new Little Red School House in City Park's Storyland has begun! We're so excited and we know you are, too! Sponsored by Entergy, this new Little Red School House replaces a smaller version seen below.

The little guy was found far from water in front of the Park's Administration Building at 1 Palm Drive. How he got there - we have no clue!

Saved by the Botanical Garden's Administrative Assistant and the Park's Media Manager, this crawfish will go on to live another day in his City Park home. They moved him into a large puddle of water under some oak trees where he flipped...

As the new Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer at City Park, I am searching for Mark Zuckerberg!

Each year the Police stables in New Orleans City Park is graced with the presence of the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales. They are large, beautiful and graceful animals. Check out this small video of one of the horses trotting for the happy crowd. Anheuser-Busch owns a total of about 250 Clydesdales, kept at various locations throughout the United States, are one of the largest herds of Clydesdale horses in the world.The horses travel in style...

Our friends from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries paid us a visit last week. They come to the Park with their seine net a few times each year to check for small fish and other water critters in order to determine the degree to which our lagoons are thriving. Thanks Wildlife and Fisheries!

This stone bridge leading to Goldfish Island is called the Goldfish Bridge. It's been a part of City Park since it was built in 1902.

Have you visited it?

This bridge is the only way (by land) to visit the tiny Goldfish Island. From the bridge or the large cement bench on the island, one can view the Peristyle in all her splendor. It's also a great place to...

It may not feel like it, but spring is right around the corner. I can tell you that all of these gray skies and chilly days are giving my dogs (and me) the blues. I've got the perfect solution! If you've never been to the City Bark dog park in New Orleans City Park, I promise you that it will only take one visit before you and your canine family members are...

Happy Valentine's Day!  Got a LOVE for art? Between the art around the Park, the Botanical Garden, NOMA, and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden - City Park's got you covered! 

You can see this beauty by artist Robert Indiana in the Sculpture Garden. The Peristyle is over 100 years old and was specifically built for parties! Close your eyes, hear the music, and think of the fais do...

Hello City Park friends! I’m Linzey and I’ll be your guest blogger for the day.  I’ve worked at City Park for almost 6 years as the Grants Manager and if there’s one thing I’ve learned a lot about, it’s trees.  There are more than 20,000 trees at City Park and they range from the tiniest saplings planted last week to the immense...

Built in 1902, this is the Pichot Stone Bridge. This rough-hewn cobblestone bridge was dedicated in the memory of Henrietta M. Leonie Pichot for her gift of $192.00 in 1901 to City Park. Looking for it in modern day City Park? Coming down Dreyfous, it's on your right before you cross Anseman Avenue. It leads to a tiny peninsula of land overlooking Bayou Metairie. There is water underneath this bridge only sometimes (depending on how high...

City Park had 2 Sneaux Days with no snow but lots of ice! Photo by: City Parker Fissweed Photo by: City Parker Todd Photo by: City Parker Todd And then came the sun!

Lily Pond and Conservatory Rose Beds with Undine: At the entrance to the Conservatory of the Two Sisters in the New Orleans Botanical Garden is the garden's collection of aquatics. This pond holds a variety of tropical and hardy water lilies and other aquatics from late March to Fall. . The pool is unfiltered. Submerged plants help to keep the water clean while fish eat any mosquito larvae. Each of the plants in the...

City Park is home to many animals including many squirrels! In honor of Squirrel Appreciation Day today (Jan. 21), here are 21 noteworthy squirrel facts: 1. There are more than 200 squirrel species worldwide, from tree squirrels and flying squirrels to chipmunks and marmots. They're all in the Sciuridae family, which is native to every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 2. Squirrels range in size from the five-inch African pygmy squirrel to the three-foot Indian giant squirrel. 3. Squirrels...

It's a bright beautiful day to be in City Park - we hope you'll visit soon!

Test piles were installed last week in Couturie Forest for a new pedestrian foot bridge. The bridge will be installed later this year. GOOD Magazine has named New Orleans one of its Top 20 Cities of Possibility. Atlanta was the only other city from the states to make the top 20. When citing the numerous reasons for the selection of New Orleans the judges specifically listed “Couturie Forest in City Park.” You can learn...

Want to see Brown Pelicans? Come to City Park and there's a good chance you'll see one, or two, or more! Where have you seen birds living in City Park?

Where's your favorite spot in the Park to relax and breath in some fresh air?

If our stately architecture and old trees could talk they may be the only ones who could remember the weather ever being this cold in the Park! Currently, t's 26 degrees and sunny. And beautiful, of course. We hope you'll don your mittens and join us for some cool fresh air in the Park.

Facts about the Carousel in New Orleans City Park:

The Carousel ride is often called the ‘Flying Horses’ by New Orleans locals. The Carousel is the oldest ride in the William B. Hines Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. It dates back to 1906 but some of the animal figures date back to 1885. The Carousel was originally located on a track of land along City Park Avenue. The Carousel was moved to its...

Good Morning City Parkers! We hope you'll spend some of your weekend with us at the Park. 1300 acres waiting for you!

My name is Geneva and I am your guest blogger today! I started working at the Park a month ago as the new Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer but have spent much of my last 12 years, in the city, enjoying all the Park has to offer. I have been pleasantly surprised, over the last month, at all the things I don’t know about the Park or never slowed long enough to...

Park’s bayous and lagoons aboard the Bella Mae. NOLA Gondola offers private 50-minute tours for two to six people. For rates and reservations, visit www.nolagondola.com. PS: it's a great place for a marriage proposal! This photo is of the 281st proposal to take place on the gondola. They were all 'yes'!

This photo was taken in the wee hours of early morning at the Carousel in City Park...all the animals were waking up!

Right in the heart of New Orleans, City Park's a place for all people to breathe and relax. It's a little chilly this morning, but those up early enough are treated to a light show by the sun.

There are many people 'up north' currently getting snow but we here in New Orleans see snow only on rare occations. The last time it snowed in New Orleans was December 2008 and we will always remember fondly...the Park's oaks draped in white...the Celebration in the Oaks Santa Gator covered in snow...the 3 foot snowmen we were able to make! 

Want to see more photos of the Park in...

Celebration in the Oaks is off to a great start!

What? You have yet to visit? Get out here! There's dinosaurs, butterflies, leprechauns, and a lochness monster in Bayou Metairie! Plus fun amusement rides including the mini train and historic Carousel. You won't want want to miss out - and you don't have to! Running each night from now till 1/4/14 (closed 12/24 & 12/31) - get your tickets online and join...

Last month, New Orleans City Park wrote a blog article explaining who decorates the Christmas trees each year at Celebration in the Oaks. You can read that piece here - and we're letting you know - there are some real stellar trees this year at Celebration in the Oaks. We're very impressed!

Each year, after groups pick up their ornaments from the trees when Celebration in the Oaks...

“Rest and be thankful.” ― William Wordsworth

What at City Park are you thankful for at this moment?

It's #GivingTuesday and we're encouraging you to give to the Park you love!

A reason to give: City Park's THE place to make unforgettable memories. What are some of your favorites?

Donate here

We have a day for giving thanks. And two...

This goose is stretching out and loving the sunshine at the Park today! It's a beautiful day for geese and humans alike. Hope you'll join us in enjoying the Park and the sunshine. Thanks to City Parker Linda for this great shot!

Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans City Park is bigger and better every year, and this year new exhibits make this one of a kind holiday light festival a must-see. More than 550,000 LED bulbs bring themed displays to life within 20 gated acres of the Park and two miles along the historic train route.

Gobble then wobble over to play putt-putt in City Park! New Orleans City Park’s newest attraction, City Putt, will be open on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2013. The links will be open for play from 10am till 10pm (last rental at 9pm). Bring your friends and family, no matter their age, to play one or both of the miniature golf courses. One course has a Louisiana theme and features Louisiana cities at each of its 18...

City Park continues its award winning ways and was recently awarded the “Great Places in Louisiana” award by AARP. What a cool award!

Check out these photos of the presentation to AARP to show off the Park.

Each year Garden Clubs from around the metro area decorate wreaths to be placed around Celebration in the Oaks. Every year there's a new theme but it always includes Mister Bingle. 

Who decorates all the Christmas trees each year at Celebration in the Oaks?

Amanda Erika finds a new home

Injured City Park swan has recovered

In February 2013 City Park black swan, named Amanda Erika, was badly injured while protecting her nest of 6 eggs. Her eggs were crushed by a depraved individual.

We've been working hard at the Park getting everything ready for Celebration in the Oaks 2014! We know you're going to love the new exhibits and love seeing the traditional ones, too. Check out this video to see more and to see a sneak peek at one of the new installations called "Sea-Labration". 

You can be part of the Celebration in the Oaks magic early by attending the Preview...

This is the Allard Oak in New Orleans City Park. According to the last survey done a few years ago its size is as follows: 22’8” circumference, 56’ height, 141’ crown spread. This oak is named for Louis Allard, Jr., the heir to the Allard Plantation. The land comprising the Allard Plantation had been under development soon after the founding of New Orleans in 1718. It was primarily a dairy farm with some production...

The New Orleans Botanical Garden is a place of wonder. At every turn there is something new to look upon no matter the season. Near the middle of the Botanical Garden is a small greenhouse containing the Garden's collection of cacti and types in this vast collection.

We're entering the chilly (kind of) months in City Park & you know what that means...the Brown Pelicans will call City Park home for a few months. Two were spotted in the past week (7 days). One was seen near the Administration building and a second on Big Lake [pictured here]. If you're looking for the Brown Pelicans there are 3 known places in the Park that the birds apparently like fishing or...

Beware! The lochness monster's getting put into Bayou Metairie today! A tradition everyone loves to see each year at Celebration in the Oaks, we're excited to welcome the fun-loving holiday 'monster' back again this year. You can wave to Nessie as you zip by on the holiday train during Celebration in the Oaks.

It's starting to look like Fall around the Park. Have you noticed?

Progress! Construction on the new Carousel Gardens Amusement Park concession building and restrooms continues. Three walls of the old shelter will be glassed in with the construction above providing new space for a kitchen. This should be finished in a few months.

Sunsets are usually a wonderful site at the Park, but the one on October 19, 2013 was certainly a memorable one. Doesn't Big Lake look incredible?! We think so, too! This photo was sent to us via Twitter. If you'd like to follow us on Twitter, our handle is @NOLACityPark. Send us your photos - we love seeing them!

“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

City Park's home to more than just trees and loved by more than just humans. Many animals live in the Park. The swans are always a crowd pleaser and when the weather gets chilly, the Brown Pelicans spend a few months here. And who can forget about the many City Park turtles who line up sunning themselves on a log on any given warm day. What animals have you seen around the Park?...

As you enter the Park from the main entrance and drive down Lelong, you will notice construction in front of The New Orleans Museum of Art. The front area of the museum is getting a new look and at the center of the new look is a new piece of art. Construction on the site has been going on for weeks. Fueling speculation as to which sculpture will have a new home in the...

Don't miss the beautiful orange wildflowers at the Park! They are nestled between Roosevelt Mall and Marconi. You'll love 'em!

Spanish Moss and Resurrection Fern are often found growing on the oaks of New Orleans City Park. Both plants are epiphytic. Epiphytic plants absorb all nutrients from the air and do not harm the tree that supports them.

New Orleans has earned a reputation for its booming festival season, and City Park is playing an increasing role in the city’s growing festival calendar. December 2012 marked the opening of New Orleans’ newest festival destination: the Festival Grounds, a 50-acre green space with sports fields, a bike path, acres of wetlands, an exercise area with hydraulic fitness equipment and more. Highlights of the grounds include five soccer fields and a one-mile, 1...

Submitted by Rodney Thoulion, Executive Director of Friends of City Park

Fall is a magical time in City Park!  There is so much going on: Fall Garden Festival, the Scarecrow Trail, and Ghosts in the Oaks – just to name a few of the premier events of City Park.  And how can we forget the Voodoo Music + Art Experience.

With the change of the weather, the falling leaves...

There is a reason that Birder's World Magazine has named City Park as the best birding spot in New Orleans. Whether you are a novice birder or have been birding for years, come and enjoy the feathered friends of the Park. Everyone enjoys feeding the geese & ducks, watching the graceful swans, and listening to the song-birds - but there are hundreds of types of birds either calling City Park home or passing...

NEW PARK FUN! Look out! Fun ahead! There are new boats and bikes available for rent at the Park. Wheel Fun Rentals provides both our boats and bikes for rental from the City Park Boat House on Big Lake. Boats and bikes can be rented 7 days a week and the Summer Hours are April - November 9 am - 8 pm (weather permitting). A photo ID must be presented for the person renting the bike or...

Man, does Friends of City Park really know how to throw a great party! And the best part about it is that it raises money for City Park capital improvements…specifically a new food truck for the Park. Have you ever been in a remote part of the Park without food or beverage and thought, “Boy, I sure could use something to eat or drink!” Well, the Park hears you! The...

Have you noticed the Hyams Fountain as you walked down Victory Drive or into the main entrance of Carousel Gardens? Like so many special pieces in the Park, this fountain has a story. New Orleans philanthropist, Sara Lavinia Hyams, died in 1914, bequeathing her jewelry collection, valued at $30,000, to be sold and the profits used to construct a fountain in both Audubon Park and New Orleans City Park, for the children of the city. The...

Did you know that City Park is a preferred location for movie and TV production shoots? In the year end June 30, 2013 , nine major movies and eight TV shows had major productions in the Park. In addition five commercials for national brands and four commercials for local brands were also shot in the Park. They not only showcase the Park and City but also generate revenue for the Park through location fees. Want to know...

Happy and healthy kids are part of the foundation of any great community, and City Park is committed to giving your family a safe and fun place to keep your kids active. The park is filled with a variety of playgrounds and play structures suited for kids of all ages. Best of all? After a day of playtime in City Park, your kids will crash at bedtime. Imagine all of your kids’ favorite...

What is a Friend? 

Typically a friend is someone who has a mutual bond and supports another through good times and bad times. 

Friends of City Park and New Orleans City Park have shared that special bond since 1979.  Since that time the Friends organization has raised millions of dollars for many City Park capital improvements. Some of the donations have recently gone towards renovation of the Peristyle...

Hi, this is Earl, the park’s new Volunteer Coordinator! Our most recent volunteer project took place on the August 12th with the park hosting 200 LSU Medical School students. The students donated their time and effort to several areas of the park. The volunteers mulched three-quarters of a mile of walking trail in Couturie Forest, painted the locker rooms and bathrooms at Pan-American and Tad Gormley stadiums, and painted the entire Parkview Terrace...

Tim Zissis loves to fish in City Park because it brings back memories of his childhood – fishing with his father and younger brother starting more than 35 years ago. Zissis’s father passed when he was only 16. The now the 44 year-old spends time at the park because he says it’s quality time with his dad. While Zissis enjoys making friends with other fishermen enjoying the park’s waterways, the New...