Woldenberg Park - New Orleans, LA

New Orleans certainly is known for a number of things, and not all of them are positive. The city, or more specifically the French Quarter section, is known worldwide as a nightlife and partying destination. The dense character of the area, the large quantity of restaurants, bars, and clubs, and the city's incredibly liberal alcohol laws contribute heavily to this atmosphere and reputation. However, the city is also known for it extremely high levels of poverty and urban decay. This reality was hastened and brought into an incredibly harsh limelight by the disastrous effects of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, which had a devastating impact on the city and region. There are parts of the city, such as the Lower Ninth Ward, that have not recovered and may never will. After the storm, the city experienced a large population decline, and it is doubtful that the city will ever regain the lost population. However, instead of focusing on those problems and Katrina-related issues, this will briefly mention the city's relatively new waterfront, which is a bright spot in the heart of the city.

Woldenberg Park lies on the banks of the Mississippi River in the Upper French Quarter and stretches towards downtown and the Port of New Orleans. It as a great example of turning dilapidated and under-used land into a grand public space and park. The park itself is relatively young, as it was created in the late 1980s and early '90s. The site was previously full of old wharves and warehouses that had been partially abandoned. It was industrial in character and was an intimidating area. Floodwalls, warehouses, and industrial docks dominated and there was essentially no public access to the waterfront in the area. However, New Orleans realized the high amount of potential the site possessed. The location along the waterfront tip of the French Quarter made it a logical space for a public area. By opening up the waterfront to the public, New Orleans added an asset to its arsenal while improving the economic activity and development of the French Quarter and the Downtown area.

The park, like the entire region is flat in character. This makes it accessible to people of all age groups and physical abilities. Paths meander throughout and along the waterfront where people can walk, bike, or jog while enjoying the grand views of the mighty Mississippi River. Public art and sculptures are dotted throughout to add character. Also, there is plentiful green space and shaded areas, which prove mighty useful in the hot and humid Louisiana climate. It is a popular social gathering place and is a prime location for festivals. Also, one can often find street musicians performing in the park, which adds to the colorful atmosphere.

New Orleans is a city struggling with a certain number of issues. However, it cannot be denied that the city has the right idea about its waterfront. The implementation of a public park turned a once foreboding area into a civic highlight. It is an example of immeasurable positive attributes that public space can bring to an area.