The proud history of the Department of Parks
and Parkways dates back to 1909 when
volunteers consolidated efforts to plant trees
and beautify neighborhoods in an organization
called the "Parking Commission of New
Orleans". These civic-minded citizens
organized the first City Commission Council in
May of 1909 to secure regular city funding for
their beautification efforts. Later it was named
the Parkway Commission. This commission
was granted the power to plant, maintain,
protect, and care for trees, shrubs and other
plants on all of the public highways of the City.
Current Director Ann Macdonald as well as
past Directors Flo Shorenstein, Cynthia
Sylvain-Lear and Mildred Fossier joined with
current and past staff to celebrate the
Department of Parks and Parkways' 100th
Anniversary as a government entity. Parks
and Parkways, along with event sponsor
French Quarter Festival Inc., hosted the
celebration at Jackson Square on May 15.
A ceremonial planting of the Parks and
Parkways Centennial tree at the St. Ann Street
entrance of Jackson Square concluded the
anniversary celebration.
Parks and Parkway's mission is to manage,
develop, beautify and preserve over 2,000
acres of public green space, including neutral
grounds, parks, historic sites, playgrounds,
two golf courses and over 400,000 public
trees.
The department is responsible for
preservation, maintenance and the protection
of the City's Urban Canopy. In addition, the
department is responsible for the care and
upkeep of Joe Brown Memorial and Brechtel
Parks, and various historic green spaces and
ornamental planting sites. So far this year, the
department has mowed more than 4,000 acres
of green space, removed or trimmed 1,000
trees and planted 1,300 trees citywide.
For more information visit www.cityofno.com
