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“ E v e r y g r e a t c i t y n e e d s a g r e a t p a r k t h a t n e e d s g r e a t f r i e n d s ! ”

Please join us for the second annualFriends’ Fest on Wednesday, July 27, 6-9 p.m. in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland. So manywonderful City Park projects would not be possible without the generous supportfrom the Friends, and this party is a way to show appreciation for that support. Open exclusively to Friends of City Parkmembers, the event includes free admis-sion, free rides and more all night long. Your ticket for entry is a valid Friends ofCity Park membership. You can renew yourmembership or purchase a new one at thegate. If you have questions regarding your membership status, please emailkallenspach@friendsofcitypark.com. To find out more details about this fabulousFest call 504-483-9376 or visit the website, friendsofcitypark.com.

Calling AllFriends tothe Fest

Photos: Michael Maples

2 0 1 1F r i e n d s o f C i t y P a r k

B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s

O F F I C E R S

P re s i d e n tD e s s a R u t t e r G i f f i n

P re s i d e n t - e l e c tM a r y J o h n s o n

Tre a s u re rP e g g y M c C r a n i e

C o - Tre a s u re rJ a c k i e P a l u m b o

R e c o rd i n g S e c re t a r yK a t h i Z i m m e r m a n

I m m e d i a t e P a s t P re s i d e n tD e b b i e P e r r o n e

B o a r d M e m b e r s

L i s e t t e B a y l e

J o e y M a r c o t t e B r o w n

K a r e n D e B l i e u x

J e a n i e F a v r e t

L e i l a S u t h e r l i n G a m a r d

B a r b a r a H a m m e t t

S u z e t t e H e r p i c h

N i n a K i l l e e n

J a n e t L a r u e

L a n a L o v i c k

L u c i l l e M c D o n n e l l

R o n O ’ R o r k e

M a r y H a s s i n g e r S c h m i d t

G i n g e r L o g a n S m i t h

E d i t o rL i s e t t e B a y l e

E x e c u t i v e D i re c t o rR o d n e y T h o u l i o n

D i r. o f M a r k e t i n g / M e m b e r s h i pK e l l e y A l l e n s p a c h

A c c o u n t a n tM i c h e l l e B a r k e m e y e r

S p e c i a l E v e n t sS u s a n H u d l o w

1 P a l m D r i v eN e w O r l e a n s , L A 7 0 1 2 4

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Hello Dear Friends! Do you know that New

Orleans City Park was recentlyvoted one of 12 “Coolest CityParks in America” by the prestigious publicationTravel+Leisure?

Summer is a wonderful timeto visit City Park and discover all the cool things to do! TheFriends have several fun, upcoming events!

First on tap is the secondannual, members-only Friends’Fest on Wednesday, July 27,

2011 from 6-9 p.m. Friends of all ages will have the CarouselGardens Amusement Park andStoryland all to themselves. This member appreciation eventfeatures free admission, freerides, a few surprise guests andmore!! Make plans now to attendyour night at the park! Spread the word, too, because newFriends can join – and formerFriends can renew – at the gateand enjoy!

The 8th annual MartiniMadness on Friday, September

16, 2011 promises to please!Chairpersons Ginger Smith and Courtney Sutton and theircommittee are busy planninganother great event!!

Finally, in response to years of requests for two nights of Ghosts in the Oaks, this year theFriends will deliver!! Ghosts in the Oaks will take place on Friday, October 21 and

Saturday, October 22, 2011.

So double your pleasure!! This non-scary Halloween event is funfor children of all ages!

President’sMessage

2 • Friends of City Park • Summer 2011

Speaking of additions, I’d like to introduce two additions to Friends of CityPark: Newsletter Editor LisetteBayle and Special EventsCoordinator Susan Hudlow.Both Lisette and Susan bring awealth of non-profit experienceto the Friends’ organization.Welcome, Lisette and Susan!

Call the Friends office for more information about upcoming events: 504-483-9376, visit our website www.friendsofcitypark.com and check us out on Facebook!

New additions and improve-ments have City Park looking better than ever!!

Dessa Rutter Giffin, PresidentFriends of City Park

Reserve your 2011Friends of City Parkornament today!

Volunteers for Lark in the Park

Follow us —

The Three Little Pigs adorn the third commemorative

ornament in the Storyland Series. A limited number of these

whimsical custom cast pewter finish pieces are being minted

so be sure to reserve yours soon by emailing

friends@friendsofcitypark.com or calling the Friends’ office at 504-483-9376. The cost is $10.

A special thanks goes out to all the volunteerswho made this year’s Lark in the Park, Friday,March 18, 2011, such afantastic evening!

Capital One Volunteers:

Lisa B. & John Alexander Judy & Eddie AucoinCarolina (Irma) Lia-BarnesSusan Broussard

& Catherine BaileyKaren DeBlieuxTerry FernandezKaren GravesBrenda KentJohn & Amy MarzulloMonique MaxmillionRandy RothDonna TregreScott Umberger

Please mark your calendars:

The 8th annual Martini Madness

Friday September 16, 2011Pavilion of the Two Sisters

7-10 p.m.Martinis, food, music, fun

and more!!

Ghosts in the Oaks Friday October 21 &

Saturday, October 22, 2011Amusement Park

6-7 p.m. Early Admission

7-10 p.m. General Admission

Non-scary event for childrenRides, Candy, Crafts, Costumes and more!!

FOCP:

John & Mignonne BankstonHarold & Diane BaurGeorgie BienvenuBrenda BourgeoisDarlene BroussardLauren BrownRuth BurnsCheryl CabesDennis & Eileen CampbellSonya CarrBruce & Yvette ColaCarolyn ConstanceSherry Constance Karen DeBlieuxCarling DinklerBeth EbbermanJeanie FavretPam FontanaJudi GuthBobbi HahnTania Hahn

Come soon, come often and enjoy your park and your manymember benefits!

Looking forward to seeing you at the park,Sincerely,

Dessa Rutter GiffinPresidentFriends of City Park

Betty HanburyMaria HueteCheryl HentzeElaine HinojosaBill IbarraMary JohnsonJulia KatzJane & Mark LandryAndrea LegrandGail LeJeuneJan LugenbuhlPeggy McCranieBeth McDonnellLucille McDonnellBrenda MelanconMary MoisesLynne Ross Gary SchullyJackie ShrevesLedora Yerks-Birdlow

Summer 2011 • Friends of City Park • 3

Picture from the Past

In 1924 William Ratcliff Irby, a New Orleans banker and philanthropist,

donated $60,000 for the construction of a swimming pool. The pool opened on

April 14, 1925 to 304 adults and 505 children. The pool was a popular place to

cool off in the summer until it closed in 1958.

Pictured at the entrance to the Pavilion of the Two Sisters are: left to right,

Rene Fransen of the New Orleans Botanical Garden Foundation, Jane McFaddin

from South Carolina of The Garden Conservancy and Paul Soniat, Director

of the Botanical Garden. Members of the Garden Conservancy convened from all

over the country and included the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Longue Vue

House and Gardens, several private homes and Afton Villa in their tour of the area.

The mission of the Garden Conservancy is to preserve exceptional American

gardens for the education and enjoyment of the public.

Artist Grace Newburger signs the “Magical City Park” poster featuring the colorful arwork she created, to capture the essence ofall the park has to offer.

Poster Celebrates “Magical City Park”The Garden Conservancy Visits New Orleans Botanical Garden

City Park is celebrating 25 yearsof “Celebration in the Oaks” thisyear! To help us commemorate thisoccasion, we are looking for pho-tos that capture the heart and soulof this beloved New Orleans event.Share your family memories andfun times from Celebrations ofyears past, and your photos may be selected for enlarged images tobe displayed at this year’s event.Email your photos to Julie LaCourat jlacour@nocp.org or mail them to Celebration in the OaksPhotographs, Attention JulieLaCour, 1 Palm Drive, NewOrleans, LA 70124. Deadline is

Send Us Your Celebration Photos

In the spring of 1993,Friends of City Park hostedan artist competition for animage that best representedNew Orleans City Park.Grace Newburger’s colorfulcreation titled "Magical CityPark" was the winning sub-mission. The artworkincludes some of the park’smost well-known featuressuch as the Peristyle, theCarousel, Popp Bandstandand the natural beauty of thepark’s mature live oaks andwildlife.

That poster has beenbrought back by populardemand, and Ms. Newburgersigned a limited number at arecent event. Some of those

October 1. Keep in mind thatprinted submissions cannot bereturned.

special signed and numberedposters are still available for pur-chase at a cost of $41. Unsignedposters are also available for $21.The cost includes a protectivetube. Posters measure 17 inchesby 25 inches. They are availablein the Friends of City Park office,the Botanical Garden Gift Shopor from the Friends website.Posters ordered from the websitewill incur an additional $8 chargefor shipping and handling.

Coming Soon to a Fountain Near Us

Construction on the new Arbor Room at Popp Fountain is almost complete.

Part of the funding for this fabulous facility came from a significant contribution

from the Friends. Doors will officially open in the fall. For rental, call City Park

Sales at 504-483-2896.

Bob Becker, CEO

Construction is going well on the new Arbor Room in PoppFountain which replaces our previous facility which wasdestroyed by Katrina. We willofficially open the new facility in the fall and already interest ishigh. I want to thank the Friendsfor their significant contributionto the project, which along withFEMA damage claim funds andsome Park funds, made the

construction possible. This building is extremely importantnot only because it replaces afacility which was heavily usedbut because it should generateoperating revenue for the Park.

Having completed a busyspring we are looking forward toa very hectic summer! From July25-August 7th we are hosting the2011 AAU Junior OlympicGames in both our stadiums and the practice track. Over12,000 young athletes are expected to participate. We have our usual assortment of road races and walking events,fund raisers for the Dog Park and of course Friends Fest in the Amusement Park scheduledfor July 27th.

I want to give a special shout out to all of you who volunteer your time for the Park. Whether you are a regular in the Garden,show up for our Super Saturday volunteer days, put in a day of service for your company or association, or simply pick up

Letter from

the CEO

4 • Friends of City Park • Summer 2011

2 0 11 N e w O r l e a n s C i t y P a r kI m p r o v e m e n t A s s o c i a t i o n

O F F I C E R S

P re s i d e n tR o b e r t E . S . L u p o

Vi c e P re s i d e n tWi l l i a m H o f f m a n

Vi c e P re s i d e n tS u s a n H e s sVi c e P re s i d e n t

E d m u n d S c h r e n kS e c re t a r y

L a u r a C l a v e r i eTre a s u re r

K a r e n D e B l i e u x

B o a r d o f C o m m i s s i o n e r sS t e v e n B i n g l e r S u s a n B r e n n a n J a n e S . B r o o k sJ o h a n n a B r o w n

E d g a r C h a s e J a c q u e l y n C l a r k s o nL a u r a M . C l a v e r i e

K a r e n D e B l i e u xS . S t e w a r t F a r n e tT h o m a s G . F i e r k e

D e s s a R . G i f f i nS u s a n G u i d r y

B e n H a l e sS u s a n O . H e s s

Wi l l i a m D . H o f f m a n L a r r y K a t z

E r r o l L a b o r d eTi m L a F r a n c a

A n d r e a L e G r a n dR o b e r t E d w a r d S m i t h L u p o

P a u l J . M a s i n t e rM a r j o r i e M c K e i t h e n J o s e p h P a p p a l a r d o

D a v i d B . P a y t o nS t e v e n P e t t u s

M a r k C . R o m i gJ u l i e S a r d i e

G e r a r d L S c h o e n , I I IE d m u n d S c h r e n k

J a c q u e l i n e S h r e v e sR o n n i e S t o n e

R i t a Ve s i c h

M i c h a e l J . M a r s i g l i aPast President /Ex Off ic io

D a v i d E d w a r d sRepresent ing Botanical Garden Foundat ion

C h i e f E x e c u t i v e O f f i c e rR o b e r t W. B e c k e r , P h . D .

E x e c u t i v e D i re c t o rB e a u L . B a s s i c h

C h i e f O p e r a t i n g O f f i c e r R o b e r t D e Vi n e y

C h i e f D e v e l o p m e n t O f f i c e rJ o h n H o p p e r

C h i e f A d m i n i s t r a t i v e O f f i c e rG e o r g e P a r k e r

C o n t ro l l e rK e v i n C o x

It’s the mountain in CouturieForest. Standing 45 feet above sealevel, the mountain is made ofriprap from the construction of I-10.Thanks to an $80,040 grant fromthe Louisiana Recreational TrailsProgram, three new trails have been

constructed to allow park usersto reach the summit. The trailswere all constructed by reusingavailable materials such as redrock from the old tennis courts,old railroad ties that previouslymarked the edges of trails

within the forest and slabs of concrete from various construction projects aroundthe city. At the top, there is a spectacular new cypress deck and bench to enjoy theview.

Did you know that the highest point in all ofNew Orleans can be found at City Park?

trash if you find any, we areextremely appreciative of yourefforts. With the State cuttingback funding for this Park andother agencies, we need your help more than ever to keep City Park looking great! If you are looking for anopportunity to volunteer, contact our terrific VolunteerCoordinator, Jim Morrison at504-483-9459. I am sure hewill put you to work!

I hope you have a safe andenjoyable summer. I look forward to seeing you in thePark.

Robert W. Becker Ph.D.Chief Executive OfficerCity Park

Hike to the Highest Pointin New Orleans

Summer 2011 • Friends of City Park • 5

Fun in the Sun

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With its wealth of activities and amenities, City Park is the place forsummer fun for everyone. Come enjoythese activities with family and friends.

TENNISAspiring tennis pros ages 6-12 can develop their skills

by participating in Tennis Camp. With instruction byUSPTA/PTR certified pros, this camp is an excellent opportunity for future tennis champs to sharpen their strokes. Three sessions remain - July 11-15, July 18-22 andJuly 25-29. Hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - noon anda snack is provided. Sessions cost $100 each.

Whether you’re a pro or just playing around, you’re sureto appreciate the new City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center.Featuring 16 hard courts and 10 clay courts, a clubhousewith pro shop, restrooms, showers and a meeting room, thisupgraded facility is a pleasure for players. Open Monday –Thursday 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. - 8 p.m., court costs are $10/hour for hard courts and $13/hour for clay courts. Ball machines are available for $20/hour. FOCP members get 10% off all services and

merchandise at the City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center.

AMUSEMENTSThe Carousel Gardens Amusement Park is now open

until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. With lots of rides tokeep them whirling, twirling, twisting and turning, this is agreat place for preteens and teens to hang out on summerweekend nights. Entry is $3 and rides are $3 each.

In Storyland, young guests can participate in etiquetteclasses, book readings and afternoon teas with authors.Check City Park’s website for more details about times and dates. To make reservations, contact Betty Rabe atbetty@charmednola.com. FOCP members get free admission

to Storyland and the Amusement Park.

FISHINGBass, catfish and perch make their homes in the 11 miles

of lagoons in City Park. Have you tried your luck at the newfishing pier between Harrison and Filmore streets? Thosewishing to fish the park’s waterways must carry a freshwaterfishing license from the State of Louisiana Department ofWildlife and Fisheries.

BOATING/GONDOLA Spend a leisurely half hour floating along with ducks,

geese and swans in one of the Park’s pedal boats or rowboats. The pedal boat dock is located at Big Lake offFriedrichs Avenue. Boats are available for rental Saturdaysand Sundays 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at a cost of $12 per boat perhalf hour. For information, call 504-224-2601. FOCP

members get $2.00 off boat rentals.

If you’d rather have someone else do the work, climbaboard an authentic Venetian Gondola. Whether it’s an - cont. on page 7

6 • Friends of City Park • Summer 2011

July 7- New Orleans Banjos + 2:The New Orleans Banjos Plus Two,including 4 banjos, bass, piano, andvocals, will perform old favoritemusic from the 20’s when banjoswere all the rage. July 14 – Washboard Chaz Trio:Though comfortable in all forms ofour diverse American musical her-itage, Washboard Chaz Leary hasachieved dominance and internationalrecognition in acoustic country blues.His reputation as a consummatemusician and performer - along witha delightful stage presence hasbrought him countless excellentreviews and wide popularity. July 21 – New Orleans RagtimeOrchestra: The New OrleansRagtime Orchestra is a seven-piecegroup organized by Lars Edegrainwho has gained access to the arrange-ments played by a band popular inthe early years of the 20th century.Dance music that might have beenplayed at those gala balls of the1890’s captures the grace, statelinessand delightful rhythmic flow of an allbut forgotten music. July 28 – Gay Men’s Chorus: TheNew Orleans Gay Men's Chorus is anaward winning ensemble that seeks toinfluence diverse communities posi-tively by providing a musical voice toenrich and enlighten through outreachand the pursuit of artistic excellence.

August 4 – Paul Soniat: Singer/song-writer Paul Soniat will perform his orig-inal songs which always entertain andengage the audience. He is sure to havesome new songs for this concert, sograb your mint julep and get ready foran enjoyable evening. August 11 – Topsy Chapman andSolid Harmony: Performing all overthe world, Topsy Chapman dazzlescrowds with her suave style and clearmelodious voice. To hear her is a puredelight. Topsy was one of the originalcast members of the Broadway hit “One Mo’ Time”. August 18 – Tom Hook: Musician,songwriter, historian, Tom Hook hailsfrom the Midwest. A versatile musi-cian, love of American folk music,country music of the Appalachia andragtime jazz, blues and swing. The listis endless and varied as America itself.August 25 – David Torkinosky:Performing for the first time at ourseries, David Torkinosky is recognizedas one of the finest contemporary jazzpianists in New Orleans. Things justseem to sizzle when David is playinghis piano.September 1 – Phil Melancon: Philperforms the musical spirit and style ofhis hometown, New Orleans. Ask any-one on the music scene in the city andPhil’s name will be known for he per-forms at a smorgasbord of venues withmany of the top musicians in the area.

This very popular series with an array of musicians runs through October 13.

Open 5 'til 8pm, Performance at 6pmBotanical Garden • Pavilion of the Two Sisters

Mint juleps, wine, beer, soft drinks, water and food available for purchase.No outside food and drink or pets allowed. Seating is limited to 400 peopleper performance. Admission: $8 for adults, $3 for children age 5-12.Admission is not included in Friends of City Park memberships. Season Passesare now available at the Gift Shop. July-October ($105). Additional Supportby WWNO 89.9 FM. Call 504-483-9488 for more information or visitwww.garden.neworleanscitypark.com

Attention Young Gardeners

Name Our Newsletter

2011 Performers and Lineup (July 7-Sept. 1)

Calling all youngsters with agreen thumb or those who wantto develop one - The BotanicalGarden is offering a wonderfulnew program for children agessix to nine who want to have funin the garden while learningabout and playing with plants,food and ecosystems. CalledGrowing Gardeners, the programis held on two Saturdays a monthfrom 10 a.m. until noon.Participants learn what it takes tobe a real gardener by tending tothe Children’s Garden. The funincludes going on scavengerhunts, making and trying newfoods, creating garden art, bring-ing home fruits and vegetablesfor dinner and so much more.Classes cost $15 each ($12 if you register for six classes at one time). Check out details of each class on the website garden.neworleanscitypark.com,then call Emily at 504-483-9470to reserve a spot for this fabulousgarden experience.

Our newsletter needs a name. Get your creative juices flowing andhelp us come up with a title for our much anticipated quarterly commu-nication. Email your suggestions to lbayle@netzero.net or mail themto Lisette Bayle, 317 Henry Landry Avenue, Metairie, LA 70003.Entries are due by August 5. The person who submits the winningentry will receive two tickets to Martini Madness.

Friends Keeps Us CoolFriends of City Park provided the huge misting fans and

sprayers in the Amusements area. Patrons are grateful for therefreshing mist to help them cool off while playing in the summerheat.

Spread the Word About MembershipSummer is a great time to

visit the park— the AmusementPark has extended hours for allto enjoy, the Botanical Gardenis full of blooms and activitieslike boat rentals and golf arewaiting to make your weekendspecial. To help Friends ofCity Park assist City Park inthe great progress it is making,we need your help in spreadingthe word about membership!

Tell a friend about the great savings you get visitingStoryland or buy a membershipfor a birthday or graduationgift. Not only does a member-ship act as your all in-one-passto City Park but it also helpsFriends of City Park supportthe great capital improvementsvisitors get to enjoy. Thankyou for your continued support!

Summer 2011 • Friends of City Park • 7

More Fun in the Sun

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intimate cruise for two or an excursion with up to six friends,a relaxing glide through City Park’s lagoons is sure to providea cherished memory. Check the website nolagondola.com orcall Roberto at 504-450-4400.

BIKING Joy Ride Bike Rentals, a locally owned company, has

joined forces with City Park to bring visitors the option ofbicycling throughout the park. Bikes are available for adultsand children, and there are also baby trailers for those toosmall to ride on their own. Bike rental hours are Saturdaysand Sundays 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. at a cost of $10/hour or $30/day for adults and $8/hour or $25/day for children. Baby trailersare $8/hour.

GOLFINGWith four sets of tees ranging in length from almost 5740

yards at the tips to just about 4300 yards from the Gold Tees,City Park offers a challenging yet fun round for all levels of golfers. The new Practice Center offers a full-service driving range with 74 range stalls and two grass hitting areas. For more information and to reserve tee times, go to cityparkgolf.com or call 504-483-9410. Use your FOCP

membership to get great discounts at the Golf Course!

Aspiring golfers ages 8-16 can participate in City Park’sJunior Golf Academy where they will get high quality instruction in a fun and exciting environment. Sessions take place Monday - Thursday at 8-9:30 a.m. or 10-11:30 a.m. and cost $150 per week.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Located in City Park’s north section, Equest Farm provides numerous opportunities for those who love horses or want to learn to ride including summer camps, field trips,lesson birthday parties, family rides and daily lessons. Visit the website equestfarm.com or call 504-483-9398 for more details.Use your FOCP membership

to get great deals at Equest Farm!

Cont. from page 5

1 P a l m D r i v eN e w O r l e a n s , L A 7 0 1 2 4

5 0 4 - 4 8 3 - 9 3 7 6Return Service Requested

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

NEW ORLEANS, LAPermit No. 572

Mark Your CalendarJuly 9 & September 3, 2011

Pelican GreenhousePlant Sales

July 27, 2011

Friends’ Fest

August 6 & September 10, 2011

Super SaturdayVolunteer Work Days

September 16, 2011

Martini Madness

“Every great city needs a great parkthat needs great friends!”