News Summary
New Orleans has officially opened the Barbara Lacen-Keller Park, a tribute to the late community leader celebrated for her advocacy in youth and community welfare. The grand opening event included city officials, community partners, and family members, marking a significant moment for local residents. The park transforms an unused lot into a vibrant green space aimed at enhancing community well-being and providing recreational opportunities. It also continues ongoing improvements within City Park, addressing the challenges faced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
New Orleans Unveils Barbara Lacen-Keller Park to Honor Community Leader
A new park named Barbara Lacen-Keller Park officially opened in New Orleans on Friday, October 10, 2025. The park is a tribute to Barbara Lacen-Keller, a prominent community leader celebrated for her work as an advocate for youth and community welfare, earning her the title of the “Mayor of Central City.”
The grand opening event attracted numerous attendees, including councilmember Lesli Harris, various city officials, community partners, and family members of Lacen-Keller. This celebration marked a significant moment for the community, honoring a local hero through the establishment of a much-needed recreational space.
The location of the park was transformed from an unused concrete lot into a vibrant green space, featuring lush landscaping, benches, shade trees, and gathering areas. This development strives to enhance the quality of life for residents and provide an area for relaxation and community activities.
Community Commitment
Councilmember Lesli Harris highlighted Lacen-Keller’s lifelong dedication to uplifting her neighbors and emphasized the importance of community care in her advocacy work. The new park stands as a testament to the impact that one individual can have on a community.
The park’s mission will also be supported by special Halloween events, including “Ghosts in the Oaks” and “Brews and Boos,” scheduled at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Proceeds from these events will go towards supporting the park’s initiatives focused on recreation, education, culture, and beauty for the community.
History of City Park
The new Barbara Lacen-Keller Park is part of ongoing improvements within City Park, one of the nation’s largest urban parks. City Park faced considerable challenges after Hurricane Katrina, with approximately 95% of the park submerged underwater for weeks due to the devastating storm.
In response to these challenges, a long-term master plan known as City Park 2050 has been established. This plan aims to sustain and improve City Park while gathering feedback from the local community, collecting over 30,000 comments from residents between 2023 and 2025.
Focus on Improvement
The primary goals of the City Park 2050 plan include restoring ecological systems, enhancing historic features, and ensuring better access for pedestrians and cyclists. The City Park Conservancy has made a commitment to care for the park’s existing features while strategically planning for future environmental challenges.
Park’s Established History
City Park’s history dates back to its official inception in 1891, with various developments made during the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Over the years, it has evolved into a cherished civic asset and recreational space for the people of New Orleans. The opening of Barbara Lacen-Keller Park signifies ongoing development and investment in community well-being.
The establishment of this new park illustrates the city’s commitment to honoring community heroes while also responding to the recreational and environmental needs of its residents. As the park continues to grow and flourish, it is expected to play a vital role in enhancing community engagement and recreational opportunities for all New Orleanians.
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Additional Resources
- WGNO: Barbara Lacen-Keller Park Opened
- Architectural Record: New Plan for City Park
- LIV Golf: Commitment to New Orleans City Park
- New Orleans City Business: City Park 2050 Master Plan
- Axios: New Orleans City Park Master Plan Renderings
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
