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Pontiff Playground

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Wally Pontiff Jr. Playground, formerly Metairie Playground, is named after Louisiana State University baseball player Wally Pontiff, Jr. and is located at 1521 Palm Street in Metairie, Louisiana. This oldest playground[1] in Metairie is administered by the "Friends of Pontiff Playground, Inc." group and provides a place for recreational sports for hundreds of locals daily.

History

Origins

Pontiff Playground was originally named Metairie Playground. The name was changed on June 28, 2003, in memory of Wally Pontiff, Jr., who played baseball for the LSU Tigers. Before an unexpected death at the age of 21, Wally was deciding whether to continue his career at LSU or to play for the Oakland Athletics after being drafted in the 21st round.[1]

Effects of Hurricane Katrina

Pontiff Playground was flooded in August 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, which ruined the gymnasium. After the storm, Jefferson Parish built an earthen berm around it to hold water in future emergencies.[2]

Development Timeline
Date Action
June 28, 2003 Dedication ceremony held at 10 a.m. renaming Metairie Playground the Wally Pontiff, Jr. Playground
August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina strikes New Orleans, severely damaging Pontiff Playground
August 1, 2007 The Friends of Pontiff Playground, Inc. holds a meeting to discuss the proposed reconstruction master plan

Wildlife

Layout

Once the reconstruction of the playground is complete, the park will contain 6 baseball diamonds, 2 football fields, 1 track, 2 tennis courts, and a gymnasium. In addition to these sports facilities, a new meditation labyrinth, spray fountain, and bird sanctuary will be built.[2][3]

Sports

Ground Photos

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Metairie Playground Renamed in Memory of LSU Athlete, Wally Pontiff, Jr.", Jefferson Parish webpage, 2007, webpage: Renamed.
  2. ^ a b "A New Vision for Pontiff Playground", NOLA, 2007, webpage: new_vision NewVision.
  3. ^ "New Look for Pontiff Playground", NOLA, 2007, webpage: NewLook.
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