Brechtel Park - New Orleans, Louisiana

Zachary Rigel

Brechtel Memorial Park
A very large sprawling nature park tucked away in the Westbank neighborhoods. I feel I cannot do this park justice as it has a lot of potential but it also needs a lot of work. It's large, 110 acres complete with multiple pavilions, picnic areas, one playground, two bathrooms, two large ponds with a canal connecting them and several bridges and two baseball diamonds and the trailhead campground. It was first built in the 1970s damaged by the hurricanes in 2006 and 2008 and part of a rejuvenation to an ecological park in 2011.

This was a very exciting park. The grounds and trails are kept maintained and the bathroom closest to the road is open and maintained. The playground was well equipped with two different age group play areas and equipment. It is in a well shaded area next to the water with trash cans and benches.

There was a plethora of nature here. We went on a short hike down one of the trails over the bridge and saw two rabbits and a snake. The grass was a well kept height and the trails were clear with only a recently fallen tree on one section.

There was a man fishing, and several birds about the water but it was a distinctive orange color probably from low pH and bacteria from decomposing organic materials.

There was no charge on entering but sources say there used to be. The large wood carving at the right of the entrance called Whispering Giant was nice, I should have gotten a closer look and picture of it. Picnic tables were not in the best shape. The camp ground was closed and locked to traffic. The camp areas were overgrown and in need of repair. The pavilions were in good shape and perfect for parties, nature lessons or gatherings. I do want to come back and explore more.

Angie Jones

A hidden gem. Beautiful park that's not crowded. We rented shelters 7 and 8, and had sooo much space plus private restrooms.

The park was clean but there were a couple of tables and benches that were unusable because they were broken. The city should really replace these. There also wasn't any soap in the restrooms. No electricity, so we needed to bring generators but this was known in advance. These are really the only cons.

This is one of the only few parks in the city that allow a DJ outside so that was great! We also were able to bring in food trucks (they must be paid in advance), games, grill, etc.

The staff was also nice. No issues there.

Benjamin Ballay

Could be an amazing park if it would get with the times.
Need sports facilities where the golf course once was, soccer and basketball fields/courts—pickleball even, a connecting loop for joggers & bikers, lights, better parking, and a generally better design. It should be the jewel of the Westbank.
They should connect Tullis, Lennox/Gen DeGaulle, and Behrman and make this a multi parish park on the bus line; even incorporate the Gen DeGaulle neutral ground and make it the place for joggers and bikers. So much potential.

Tori Boudreaux

Loved this park, gras needed to be cut… but it’s been raining for three weeks down here so! It’s completely acceptable ! Awesome place for my younger and older children to play!

Akilah Light

While the park itself is gorgeous and a true hidden gem, the attendant (mid-aged female) seeing to the grounds on 5/11/2024 was extremely rude and unprofessional. She antagonized my family due to a minor misunderstanding. The event held at this park was for a two year old child and this lady made the experience a living hell. She kept approaching the birthday party with complaints and nit picked everything done while there. She also chose to blow her car horn at the hosts & guests while following behind each vehicle, pressuring them to leave as it neared closing time. She made the experience uncomfortable and when my family tried to reconcile the misunderstanding, she refused and decided to be a nuisance instead. Total disappointment.

Miranda B.

Peaceful and beautiful. Love this park. The tables in the picnic areas could use some TLC.

Winona Roberson

Peaceful area, quiet and security was there. I noticed trail paths one gravel and a paved path near the entrance. I didn't drive the full route in the park, only the lake area with the birds. Nice area for a picnic or party.

Alex Bordelon

Only kept up park with trails that I know of on the west bank. Great place to relax or even hold events at. I love taking pictures of all the wildlife!