Crescent Park

Plan a run or pack a picnic, and head to New Orleans’ newest park.

March 2nd, 2015 by: Lianna Patch

By now, most locals know about Crescent Park. But if you haven’t yet taken an afternoon to stroll around this riverfront space, you’re missing out! The park spans 1.4 miles from Mazant Street in the Bywater to Elysian Fields Avenue in the Marigny. It’s crisscrossed with running and biking paths, and almost every vantage point offers a fabulous view of the Mississippi River.

Those familiar with the High Line in New York City will likely notice the two parks’ visual similarities. Crescent Park’s landscape design is spare and almost geometric, offering a counterpoint to the lush green spaces of Audubon and City parks. There’s also a dog run here, where well-behaved pups can play.  

Though it’s been open since last spring, Crescent Park is by no means finished. It can be tough to get over the steep, arched Piety Street bridge, and Yelpers note that the dog run lacks a double gate — so be careful when coming and going! The New Orleans Building Corporation, which spearheaded the park, plans to expand it by adding more trails, picnic areas and other amenities 
“as funding becomes available,” according to reinventingthecrescent.org. Hopefully, the park will be 100 percent complete in time for New Orleans’ tricentennial celebration in 2018! nola.gov/city/crescent-park