Who We Are
- City Park is a unique state agency of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism operated by the non-profit City Park Improvement Association (CPIA).
- The land occupied by City Park is owned by the City of New Orleans.
City Park traditionally received little or no public operating support. Following Hurricane Katrina, however, the Park has started to receive some operaitng assistance from the State of Louisiana. The Park receives capitol support from City of New Orleans but no operating funds. In 2006, this public support amounted to approximately 25% of our total operating budget. We must raise 75% of our operating funds through self- generated revenue.
- Once the site of Allard Plantation facing Bayou St. John, City Park's 1,300 acres offer visitors a sample of the city's riches both in fine art and natural splendor. City Park is home of the New Orleans Museum of Art and the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world. Trees in the oldest grove are over 600 years old.
- CPIA was established in 1891 to provide for the improvement of City Park. The Louisiana Legislature placed City Park under the control of CPIA in 1896 and invested it with the authority to operate and develop the park.
- At 1,300 acres, City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. The first parcel of land was aquired in 1854, making it one of the country's oldest parks.
- Today's City Park is distinguished by its large menu of recreational activities and its natural beauty. City Park has a special place in the hearts of generations of New Orleanians and is a must visit for visitors to the city. A popular place to picnic, play a favorite sport, wander through its gardens or take a boat ride, the park hosts 11 million visitors each year.
It is located in the heart of the city and is the largest recreation area for the entire metropolitan area.
- Friends of City Park is a separate 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that raises money to help support the park.
- The New Orleans Botanical Garden Foundation, also a 501 (c) 3, raises money to support the Botanical Garden, one of the park's attractions.
