 Brechtel Park is an urban park located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in the Algiers section of Orleans Parish. In 1971, 112 acres were acquired with an LWCF grant of $711,845. Two LWCF development grants ($861,997) were used to construct a lagoon, trails, picnic shelters, tables and barbeque pits, playground equipment, restrooms, 2 ballfields with bleachers and backstops, drinking fountain, and, on scout island, a large pavilion, picnic units and 30 tent sites.1 Brechtel Park is also an important stop for many species of migratory birds and was recently designated as an America’s Wetlands Birding Trail.2 Founded in 2007, Friends of Brechtel Park is a grassroots organization created to promote the revitalization, preservation, maintenance and enjoyment of Brechtel Park. FOBP is comprised of business professionals, home owners, residents and volunteer community leaders who represent diverse areas of interest. FOBP is working in partnership with officials, community-spirited individuals and other civic and neighborhood groups to leverage resources, raise awareness and build support for the Brechtel Park revitalization process.
In recent years, Brechtel Park has suffered extensive damage due to the devastation caused by numerous tropical storms and hurricanes.FOBP has initially identified areas that are in need of immediate attention, including the camping facilities, trails, additional play equipment, security, landscaping, picnic shelters, benches, water fountains, fencing, restrooms, lighting, landscaping, and signage. Input from all the community is welcome and encouraged. To provide input or any questions concerning Service Learning, Volunteering, Donations, or any other business please write, email, or call the following:
Friends of Brechtel Park
333 Julia Street #428
New Orleans, LA 70130
Dr. Berengher Brechtel:(cell) 504-583-0136
Dr. Rebecca Brechtel: (cell) 504-583-9011
(Home): 504-522-8567
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of Friends of Brechtel Park potluck picnic was held on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Brechtel Park. An election for the Board of Directors was held. The Board Members are as follows:
 State of the Park
Several board members were certified as citizen foresters at the Tree Troopers program held in the spring. As part of the program and in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Forestry, they conducted an extensive inspection of the existing and newly planted trees. This inspection revealed that the newly planted trees were in much need of mulch and attention. As a result, FOBP applied to Parks and Parkways to adopt the park for limited maintenance and to form a volunteer program comprised of groups that will assume responsibility for certain segments of the park.
Volunteer groups have already made significant progress on making improvements to the park. In July, over 300 volunteers from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America convened and cleared invasive vines and brush, cut two trails to Scout Island, six feet wide and three inches deep in wood chips. FOBP gives thanks to the wonderful volunteers for their efforts in helping to renew this important community treasure.
VOLUNTEER EFFORTS
The volunteer effort is evolving into school service hours, service learning, biology classes studying water quality, Tree Troopers and other facets of community life on the Westbank. Wilderness programs are also becoming aware of the vast opportunities to study wildlife and nature at its best right here in the heart of New Orleans.
The Park is looking beautiful as a result of the cooperation between Parks and Parkways, Parkway Partners, Brown Danos Architects, Westbank Redevelopment, Friends of Brechtel Park, and the sincere interest and caring on the part of our elected officials-- both city and state--to work together.
The enthusiasm of the new board members has been exciting and promises to be a great support toward fulfilling the responsibility for the "Adopt the Park" designation for the Friends group. The agreement to find groups who will help with mulching, cutting vines, and cleanup will take an effort from everyone.
Please email Becky Brechtel at beckbrech@bellsouth.net or call 504-583-9011 if you have groups or ideas. Garden clubs, scout troops, elementary school student councils, and other service oriented organizations are ENCOURAGED.
In addititon to FOBP's volunteer programs, major renovations to the facilities and lagoon are scheduled to continue in the fall. Brechtel Park is poised to receive a portion of more than $4 million dollars from the city, state, and federal government to fund these repairs. The City of New Orleans, under the direction of Ann McDonald, maintains the park on a regular basis. To learn more about the timing of renovations, visit the City of New Orleans recovery website.
Service Learning
Belle Chase Academy (NAS-JRB) has become a partner of Friends of Brechtel Park. The eighth graders will be doing service hours throughout the year. They have adopted the Lagoon Trail on Scout Island. Teachers and staff are scheduled to come on buses twice a month throughout the year. Rain has interfered somewhat during these first weeks of school but the commitment is there. Smaller groups will be doing other projects. See pictures of their training classes.
Edna Karr High School has adopted the lagoon for a water quality study for their young biologists. Other service groups plan to join the fun.
SERVICE LEARNING AT BRECHTEL PARK
Schools, Scout Troops, Church Groups, City Recreation Groups, Others
Service Learning units have been prepared by Dr. Rebecca Brechtel, forty-plus year educator, for groups who wish to visit the park, serve and learn. Appointments can be made for a field trip Thursday-Monday. The park is not open Tuesday-Thursday. The units and your entrance are provided free for SERVICE LEARNING. The topics and age groups are provided for your convenience. It is required that you talk to Dr. Rebecca Brechtel 2-3 weeks in advance of your visit as to age level, particular interests, and service required while at the park. Other speakers may be available with advance planning. An appointment will be made for you through the Parks and Parkways Comission. The service portion of the visit will take approximately one hour and the learning portion will take approximately one and one-half hours. Facilities are available for picnic lunch and a play area and ball field are available for playtime to complete a beautiful day in a wildlife habitat at Brechtel Park in Algiers. You may request a special unit if planned at least one month in advance. Every attempt to develop it will be done if it is within the expertise of our volunteers. SERVICE REQUIRED: Students and teachers may select one or two areas of concentration for service.
1. Prepare 15-20 homemade birdfeeders of seed, suet, and peanut butter for winter feeding. Students will hang these on low branches for the birds in various areas of the park.
2. Bring several bags of seed to put in ground-level containers (flower pot holders or small trays) for birds, squirrels, and rodents.
3. Bring bread and crackers for 20-30 geese and a few ducks. Feed the animals.
4. Pickup trash and pull invasive vines from the trees in appointed areas. Bags will be provided for trash pickup.
5. Bring a “goodie” bag for Ranger Barbara at the gate. She takes good care of our visitors. LEARNING ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK Copies can be provided in advance of the visit for teacher preparation with the students. Choice #1: Louisiana Native Americans and the Wildlife Habitat: Setting: Students will walk across the bridge to Scout Island and proceed down Lagoon Trail to the campfire circle. We will discuss habitat issues as we walk along, and also watch for creatures that may reside in the park. Segment 1: The Peter Tolf Native American Sculpture represents the native people of Louisiana. Both will be discussed at differentiated levels depending on the age of the group. Segment 2: Spirits of the Earth: Native American symbols, stories and ceremonies. Segment 3: Native American Games: Choctaw Stickball Segment 4: Native American Place names in Louisiana Segment 5: Animals in Brechtel Park: Choice #2:Trees and Plants in Brechtel Park: Differentiated by age and ability levels. Students will learn to identify plants and trees in the park. Information such as common names, deciduous or evergreen, growth rates,and benefits and problems of various species will be introduced. Students will note different leaf designs, bark, buds, twigs/pith, spines and thorns, flowers and seeds, etc. The class could do a leaf collection on the field trip. Choice #3: Animals in the Wildlife Habitat: Differentiated by age and ability levels. Turtles, geese, birds, squirrels, ducks, occasionally a snake or alligator, otters, and other animals are easily spotted. One of our volunteers is an expert on reptiles and can be scheduled. An art project, or segments of another session can be included. Native American animal stories and symbols can be included. OTHER TOPICS ON REQUEST AND EXPERTISE AVAILABLE ANIMAL UPDATE
From time to time, alligators and snakes make their way into the lagoon and park area. Warning signs have been posted. Please exercise caution when approaching the lagoon. Ron Bridges, board member, is our official "snake watcher". He tries to remove them when sited. He also works very hard to kill poisonous vines in the park.
IMAGES
Honorable Jackie Clarkson and Ranger Barbara at "Feast with the Stars", Parkway Partners Gala...
 Beren feeds the ganders in Brechtel Park...
Peter Wolf Tolf's gift to Louisiana on Scout Island in Brechtel Park. "The Whispering Giants" are located in all 50 states and Canada.  Belle Chasse Academy's eighth graders being prepped for service hours by teacher Jim Helton. The eighth grade adopted the Lagoon Trail...
 Ron Bridges, FOBP Director, kills poisonous vines, hunts poisonous snakes and makes minor repairs (like the flag pole).
|
About Us |
Logo design by EXPRESS SIGNS, Inc.
FOBP is now on FACEBOOK!