WEST END PARK PLANNING MEETING SCHEDULED SEPTEMBER 15

Public is invited to offer ideas for the future of area

 frequented  by generations of New Orleans area residents

NEW ORLEANS, LA (Aug. 27, 2009)—Local residents will have an opportunity to offer their ideas and input on the future of West End Park at a public forum from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. September 15, 2009 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6249 Canal Blvd.

The forum is sponsored by the New Orleans Municipal Yacht Harbor Management Corporation, the city agency with jurisdiction over the city’s property in the area.  Co-sponsoring the event is Friends of West End, a membership group recently organized to help raise funds and lead improvement projects for the area that has served as a favorite recreational venue on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain since the 19^th century.

“We hope to hear ideas from all stakeholders in the future of West End Park, including residents, business owners and visitors to the area,” said John Manard, president of the board that governs the management corporation for the City of New Orleans.

The agenda for the public meeting includes gathering input on goals for the park ranging from short-term projects in the next six months to long-term improvements and a master plan beyond two years, said Manard.

All plans must be coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has already announced its intention to commandeer a large portion of the area, including Coconut Beach volleyball complex, for construction of permanent pump projects.

The meeting will also address elements of a master plan that was developed in 2006 by the Regional Planning Commission before the Corp of Engineers announced its plans to seize large swaths of property along the 17^th Street Canal.

Friends of West End has also launched Facebook page: Friends of West End (New Orleans) and a web site: www.friendsofwestend.org.