FRIENDS OF CITY PARK

For over 170 years, New Orleans City Park has provided access to abundant natural and cultural resources to residents of the region and tourists from around the world. The Park is home to the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Couturie Forest and Arboretum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and the largest grove of mature live oaks in the world, some of which are nearly 800 years old.

The Park’s 1,300 acres make it one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and a popular place to fish on the bayou, picnic, experience safe outdoor play, or engage in athletic pursuits-as evidence by more than 16 million visits each year.

City Park’s annual operating budget has been largely derived from self-generated activities. The COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly affected revenue-generating facilities due to restriction closures, highlighted the vital importance of philanthropic support and the continued effort in diversifying revenue streams.

Friends of City Park is vital and important to the Park’s preservation and beautification. As the 501c3 support organization, over the years, Friends has raised millions of dollars to support City Park with capital improvements and beautification needs.