Lincoln Beach planning process to begin with public meetings, city officials announce
The abandoned Lincoln Beach site is maintained by volunteers. (Mayor’s Office photo)
City officials on Thursday (Nov. 30) kicked off the master planning phase of the Lincoln Beach redevelopment.
A historically and culturally important New Orleans East recreational site along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Lincoln Beach served African American residents during segregation when other facilities were restricted. Closed since 1964, structures and facilities at Lincoln Beach have gradually deteriorated over time due to lack of maintenance and a barrage of storms over the years.
In March, the city secured $24.6 million in funding from bond and State Capital Outlay sources to redevelop Lincoln Beach at a faster rate than previously expected. Funding sources include $6.1 million from 2021 bonds, $13.6 million of reimbursed grant funds, $4.3 million of Restore Act funds and $500,000 in State Capital Outlay.
The Lincoln Beach Site Assessment, published in the spring of 2021, states the site will be used for eco-tourism, education, historic preservation and special events — in addition to recreation.
“The newly redeveloped Lincoln Beach will provide equitable access to an open green space, family friendly recreational activities and will reconnect our people to nature, while developing an appreciation for our local ecosystems and biodiversity,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell said.
Lincoln Beach was originally constructed in 1949 by the Works Progress Administration. The pavilion was photographed in 1941. (WPA photo)
The city’s infrastructure team has been working to find a way to get utilities across the floodwall and to coordinate the development process. “Through this master planning process, we’ll deliver a safe, sustainable recreational area for the people of New Orleans,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Infrastructure Joe Threat.
Earlier this year, international design firm Sasaki Associates was selected as the planning firm for Lincoln Beach. Sasaki has developed master plans for waterfront recreational sites in many cities around the world. Many of the subcontractors to Sasaki are local firms that will assist with community participation, engineering design, operations modeling and other tasks. Subcontractors include Concordia, TVG Planning, Coastal Environments, Marias and Urban Systems.
The master plan contract between the city and Sasaki Associates has since been signed so that redevelopment plans can move forward. The process will also facilitate additional public input and engage residents in formulating and implementing a plan that reflects the community’s vision. Small focus groups will begin before the New Year with larger public meetings slated for the first quarter of 2024.
“This is an enormous opportunity to connect our residents with the natural beauty of Lake Pontchartrain, which is the surest way to protect the environment and the unique ecology of South Louisiana for future generations,” said the city’s Deputy Chief Resilience Officer Greg Nichols. “I encourage all residents to engage in this community-driven master plan for this jewel in New Orleans East that will serve as a destination and an economic development catalyst for the entire city.”
The pavilion piers remain at the abandoned Lincoln Beach Amusement Park in January 2006. (photo by Infrogmation of New Orleans)
Over the years, multiple parties have attempted to redevelop the site, but those plans never came to fruition. Its structures have continued to gradually deteriorate over time. It remains active with people illegally accessing the area, including squatters. Some trespassers clean up the area, some deface it, and others simply enjoy it.
In May 2023, the Louisiana State Division of Historic Preservation’s National Register Review Committee voted unanimously, with one abstention, to nominate Lincoln Beach for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. The nomination is now under consideration by the U.S. National Park Service for final approval.
(via Google Maps)
