Beneath our feet lies a history richer than you might imagine. This is Desmare Playground. It is more than just a place for swings and slides. Once, this very spot was part of New Orleans’ first park called “the Tivoli”.
Back in the 19th century, folks saw the Bayou St. John area as a peaceful escape. They wanted to get away from the busy city. Pleasure gardens popped up, offering green spaces for dancing and socializing. Imagine people mingling in true New Orleans style.
Leonard Victor Huber called it New Orleans’ first park. Imagine ladies arriving in ox carts dressed in their best clothes. A Philadelphia man visiting New Orleans in 1804 described people walking out in the dust. They walked home late at night.
Thomas Ashe, an Irishman, visited New Orleans in 1806. He noted that every Sunday evening, all the beauty of the country concentrates here. He said it was without any regard to birth, wealth, or color. The room was spacious and circular. It was well painted and adorned. Orange trees and aromatic shrubs filled the air with a delightful odor. Ashe danced in a very brilliant assembly of ladies at Tivoli.
Can you hear the clopping of ox carts arriving? Can you smell the orange blossoms? See the lantern-lit pavilion among the trees. Imagine couples strolling in fancy hats. Can you hear the music distorted by time?
Today, Desmare Playground still brings joy. It provides play equipment for the little ones. It is close to City Park and Bayou St. John.
In 1947, the Desmare Jackets were city champions in the 100 lbs. Bantam football league. NORD sponsored a touch football program on the playgrounds.
NORD developed programs in arts and crafts, drama, music, and dance. This offered activities beyond sports. NORD wasn’t only about sports.
So next time you visit Desmare Playground, remember its past. Remember the Tivoli pleasure garden. Remember the music, the dancing, and the orange blossoms. Desmare Playground continues to be a place of joy. It is a place of community. It is a place of history.