If you’re looking for a change of scenery from your local community parks, then you have to head over to Metairie to check out this park. The park offers something for everyone, from a jogging path to a frisbee golf course. Let’s take a closer look.

Lafreniere Park is the largest park in Metairie, and the history behind the land is quite fascinating.

Lafreniere Park/Facebook Nicolas Chauvin (later Nicolas de la Freniere) and his wife received a 5,000 acre land grant as a reward for helping with the colonization of New Orleans. The Elmwood Plantation as it was known would be where he and his wife raised their kids. After Nicolas died, the land was passed to his son, where it eventually became the Jefferson Downs Racetrack.

Sadly, Jefferson Downs was destroyed during Hurricane Betsy in 1965.

Jefferson Downs Racetrack/Facebook The track was rebuilt elsewhere, opening the doors for the park. Construction on the park began in 1977 after the community rallied together, providing over 12,000 signatures in favor of the park. The park was completed in 1982 and named Lafreniere Park to honor its roots.

Lafreniere park is a wonderful spot for those looking to get out of the city.

Krista W./Trip Advisor The park features tons of green space for lounging or throwing around the ball, fountains, family picnic areas, gardens, and so much more.

From the playgrounds for the kids to the dog park and the frisbee golf course, there’s something for everyone here at the park.

Lafreniere Park/Facebook And visitors will have plenty of wildlife viewing.

They also host several outdoor events this time of year.

Lafreniere Park/Facebook Their outdoor concerts are always a big hit, so bring a blanket and maybe some bug spray and come out to have some fun.

And of course, the lake is a huge attraction point.

Jennifer D./Trip Advisor Come out and walk along the two-mile jogging trail and maybe feed the ducks!

You can find Lafreniere Park at 3000 Downs Blvd, Metairie, Louisiana 70003.

Lafreniere Park/Facebook

Nicolas Chauvin (later Nicolas de la Freniere) and his wife received a 5,000 acre land grant as a reward for helping with the colonization of New Orleans. The Elmwood Plantation as it was known would be where he and his wife raised their kids. After Nicolas died, the land was passed to his son, where it eventually became the Jefferson Downs Racetrack.

Jefferson Downs Racetrack/Facebook

The track was rebuilt elsewhere, opening the doors for the park. Construction on the park began in 1977 after the community rallied together, providing over 12,000 signatures in favor of the park. The park was completed in 1982 and named Lafreniere Park to honor its roots.

Krista W./Trip Advisor

The park features tons of green space for lounging or throwing around the ball, fountains, family picnic areas, gardens, and so much more.

And visitors will have plenty of wildlife viewing.

Their outdoor concerts are always a big hit, so bring a blanket and maybe some bug spray and come out to have some fun.

Jennifer D./Trip Advisor

Come out and walk along the two-mile jogging trail and maybe feed the ducks!

 

Have you ever been? Let us know in the comments below!

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