Ready to discover a hidden gem? This is Cabrini Playground, a vital part of the French Quarter. It is more than just swings and slides. It is a place where community thrives.
Cabrini Playground is one of only two parks within the French Quarter. The other is Jackson Square. Cabrini Playground sits at Barracks and Dauphine in the lower Quarter. This residential area is part of the Vieux Carré. At only 1.5 acres, it lacks the grandeur of famous parks. Yet, it is indispensable to the neighborhood.
Cabrini Playground offers access to the outdoors and exercise. It facilitates socialization for people and their dogs. The park builds community in an area often overrun by tourists. Though called a dog park, it is technically a “de facto” dog park. This status was achieved after much debate.
Tensions once existed between dog owners and those wanting a space solely for children. Today, dogs, kids, and adults coexist peacefully. Cabrini Playground accommodates everyone’s needs.
A covered pavilion hosts civic gatherings. “Out Against Crime” events happen here. The Vieux Carré Property Owners Residents and Associates also host the annual Mother’s Day concert. A weekly recycling drop-off is sponsored by the French Quarter Management District. Cabrini Playground buzzes with activity.
The trees distinguish Cabrini Playground. Magnificent oaks and sycamores stand tall. A beautiful stand of crepe myrtles adds color. The rose garden, tended by neighbors, enhances the greenspace.
One area is exclusively for children. Playground equipment was donated by former resident James “Jamie” Coleman. Sometimes, pick-up soccer or volleyball games occur on the grassy field.
Like many dog parks, some remember dogs’ names more than owners’. But in the friendly French Quarter, camaraderie thrives at Cabrini Playground.
Residents reminisce with old friends. They make new ones while watching dogs play. Some form friendship groups, making the park a daily destination.
Wayne Wilkinson leads one such group. They jokingly call themselves the Cabrini Playground Brigade. They invest in chairs, poop bags, and other amenities.
After Hurricane Ida, they pruned trees and fixed infrastructure. This included the brick wall surrounding the park. They volunteer to clean up for events. The Mother’s Day concert and a police crawfish boil benefit from their efforts.
Some Brigade members serve neighborhood associations. Ken Caron is a former president of VCPORA. Betsy Fabry is the current Secretary of COPS 8.
The group also acts as a salon. They share ideas on politics, travel, and city life. Recently, they undertook a project suggested by retired judge Elizabeth Wall Magner.
Magner and her husband restored an 1837 Creole townhouse. They became residents and discovered Cabrini Playground. They walk their dogs Bienville and Toulouse. They are affectionately known as Benny and Louie.
Magner created a spreadsheet. The Brigade walked every street in the French Quarter. They noted cracks in sidewalks and missing signs. They also documented potholes and graffiti.
The result was an important record of the Quarter’s infrastructure. Magner shared the survey with city officials. She highlighted the deplorable state of the Quarter.
She noted intersections without street names. She pointed out missing crosswalks. She described streets resembling a third-world country. Magner pleaded for immediate action.
Whether officials will respond is uncertain. But the Brigade’s actions show their concern. They demonstrate a willingness to address civic dysfunction. All this happens as they enjoy the beauty of Cabrini Playground.
For many French Quarter residents, Cabrini Playground is essential. It provides greenspace and fosters community and activism. So next time you seek a moment of authentic New Orleans life, remember Cabrini Playground. It is where community blooms amidst historic charm.