 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 will be held. The Board Members are as follows:
 State of the Park
Board members Drs. Berengher and Rebecca Brechtel 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, the Brechtels 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 imporvements to the park. In July, over 300 volunteers from Evangalical 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 lif 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 minimal 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. Graden clubs, scout troops, elemantary 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 fun 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. 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. Peter will be coming back to New Orleans to repair the sculpture.  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 poision snakes and makes minor repairs (like the flag pole).
Ranger Barbara
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