Jefferson Parish is getting a new playground that will both entertain kids and teach them about local history. Councilman Hans J. Liljeberg and other officials will hold a groundbreaking ceremony this Friday. The Bucktown Playground will be built at Bucktown Harbor Park and is part of an effort to give families more outdoor activities and celebrate the area’s maritime heritage, according to the Jefferson Parish.
The playground is slated to feature an all-inclusive elevated shrimp boat theme—a playful nod to the parish's fishing industry heritage—along with an area below that simulates the experience of catching fresh seafood, the elevated platform will also afford sweeping views of Lake Pontchartrain, combining play and panorama into one experience. Enthusiasm for the project is high; in a released statement, Councilman Liljeberg emphasized the community's desire for more outdoor recreational opportunities, "Bucktown Harbor has so much to offer…bird watching, launching a kayak for a waterway excursion, fishing, jogging, and enjoying outdoor events with friends and family. This new playground is a great addition to our community’s outdoor recreational options," he said, capturing the sentiment of residents looking forward to more outdoor indulgence, as stated by the Jefferson Parish.
The park, located at 325 Metairie Hammond Highway in Metairie, is already a popular spot for nature lovers. The new playground will build on that, featuring themes of bird watching, water activities, and local wildlife and fishing. Supporters say it’s a great way to bring the community together, encourage kids to be active, and teach them about local history, as per the Jefferson Parish.
Starting this Friday at 9:00 a.m., Jefferson Parish will begin expanding its community space with a new playground that includes a touch of local history. According to a press release, Councilman Liljeberg and others hope this area will become a regular spot for enjoying nature, walking by the water, kayaking, and letting kids explore the area's nautical past.
