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1st Lake Blog

Jefferson Parish Parks

If you are looking for new ways to get moving this year, look no further than Jefferson Parish parks. From sports recreation to simply enjoying a Louisiana day outdoors, the parks across the parish offer something for everyone. Whether you are planning an active weekend or a laid-back afternoon, here is a look at what Jefferson Parish parks have to offer and what is coming soon.

Lafreniere Park in Metairie, LA

Eastbank Parks

JPRD Pickleball Complex

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity, and the Jefferson Parish Pickleball Complex is a must-visit for players of all levels. The complex features nine covered courts, benches, bleachers, and a 17-space parking lot. Live view cameras are now online, making it easy to check court availability and watch games in real time.

Courts are free and open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Lafreniere Park

One of the most well-known parks in the parish, Lafreniere Park, offers a wide variety of amenities for all. Visitors can enjoy a carousel, multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, and a popular weekly farmers market. Active features include:

  • Free 21-hole disc golf course
  • FIFA soccer complex with two FIFA turf fields
  • Two-mile health track with warm-up areas

Johnny Bright Playground

Johnny Bright Playground continues to expand its sports offerings due to high community demand. Tennis and basketball programs are growing, and the park will soon be home to the parish’s first dedicated tennis hub. Plans include a JPRD Tennis Complex with 11 courts designed for lessons, leagues, and open play.

Westbank Parks

Parc des Familles

Parc des Familles is one of Jefferson Parish’s largest and most diverse parks, offering a blend of organized sports, outdoor recreation, and natural scenery on the Westbank.

Located in Marrero, this park spans 610 acres and offers a mix of recreation and nature, including:

  • Sports quadplex
  • 18-hole disc golf course
  • Batting cages
  • Scenic nature trails

Plus, there is more coming in 2026! This year, the park will hold the first-ever Disc Golf Pro Tour Event in Louisiana. The Disc Golf Pro Tour Big Easy Open will be held March 13 to March 15, 2026, and is expected to bring thousands of fans and players to the area.

John Alario Jr. Sports Complex

Located in Westwego, LA, the John Alario Jr. Sports Complex officially opened in January 2026 and offers four multi-purpose turf fields, ideal for baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby. The complex will serve both travel sports and local sports, and is expected to bring thousands of athletes and families to the area.

Inaugural Event

  • February 21 to February 22, 2026
  • Youth baseball tournament with 60 baseball teams
Bucktown Harbor Boardwalk in Metairie, LA

Additional Parks to Explore

Eastbank Parks
Westbank Parks

From large-scale sports complexes to quiet waterfront spots, Jefferson Parish parks offer countless ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors year-round. To learn more about Jefferson Parish parks and facilities, click HERE.


Live Near the Parks You Love

At 1st Lake Properties, our 75+ communities across Jefferson Parish put you near parks, outdoor activities, and everyday conveniences.

Looking for an apartment home close to the places you love to explore? Check out our available communities and find the one that fits your lifestyle.


Kenner Splash Park Reopens for Summertime Fun

Video by the City of Kenner

Kenner Splash Park Reopens

The City of Kenner has announced the reopening of the Splash Park at the A.P. Clay Resource Center, just in time for summer! This outdoor spot offers a refreshing way to cool off and enjoy the warm weather.

Open from May 23rd through August 31st, the Splash Park features various playful water elements, including spray rings and ground fountains, perfect for beating the heat all summer long.

Location:
939 Reverend Richard Wilson Drive, Kenner, LA 70062

Hours of Operation:
Fridays: 2 PM – 7 PM
Saturdays: 11 AM – 7 PM
Sundays: 2 PM – 7 PM

Stop by and enjoy some cool, outdoor fun this season at the Kenner Splash Park! For more information, visit the City of Kenner’s website.


Live in Kenner, Close to it All

If you’re looking for a new home, be sure to check out our Kenner communities offering comfort, convenience, and a variety of floor plans to fit your needs, including our newest luxury community, Alluvia!

Living in Kenner means you’re close to local attractions, dining, shopping, and outdoor spots like the Splash Park, making it a great place to call home!

Find the space that suits you today.


New Interactive Play Experience at Kenner Planetarium

Picture from City of Kenner

The Kenner Planetarium and Rivertown Space Science Complex, located at 2020 4th St, Kenner, LA 70062, is introducing an exciting limited-time attraction called the Luna Interactive Play Spot!

This high-tech playset offers interactive games for all ages and abilities, using sensor technology to detect movement. As you enter the play mat area, sensors automatically initiate engaging activities, such as memory challenges, counting games, and reaction-based play. The experience includes:

  • Brain Games
  • Fitness Games
  • Imagination Games
  • Music Games
  • Reaction Games

The City of Kenner, in partnership with Pelican Playgrounds, is bringing this innovative playset to the community. Pelican Playgrounds, a recreation design and construction company dedicated to building joy in Louisiana and Mississippi, has generously loaned the Luna Play Spot to the Planetarium for a limited time. The play equipment itself is designed by LAPPSET, a leading manufacturer of interactive play systems.

When to Visit

The Luna Interactive Play Spot is available for public use on Saturdays from 11 AM – 3 PM and is included with general admission to the Kenner Planetarium and Rivertown Space Science Complex:

$6 Adults | $5 Seniors (60+) | $5 Kids (2–12)

Don’t miss out on this immersive and educational experience before it’s gone in June 2025!

For more information, visit the Kenner Planetarium and Space Science Complex at 2020 4th St, Kenner, LA 70062, or check out their website.


2025 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Who’s ready to ‘Let the Good Times Roll’?! 

Carnival season has arrived, bringing parades, traditions, and festive fun! Whether you’re on the Northshore or Southshore, there’s a lineup of incredible parades heading your way. Check out this year’s schedule and start planning for all the excitement ahead!

Southshore

Metairie

Krewe of Little Rascals • Sunday, February 16th • 12:00 PM

Krewe of Excalibur • Friday, February 21st • 7:00 PM

Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters • Saturday, February 22nd • 5:00 PM

Krewe of Atlas • Sunday, February 23rd • 4:00 PM

Krewe of Symphony • Thursday, February 27th • 6:30 PM

Krewe of Athena • Sunday, March 2nd • 5:30 PM

Krewe of Centurions • Monday, March 3rd | LUNDI GRAS • 6:00 PM
Krewe of Kings follows

Krewe of Argus • Tuesday, March 4th | MARDI GRAS • 11:00 AM
Krewe of Elks Jeffersonians follows

New Orleans

Krewe of Chewbacchus • Saturday, February 1st • 7:00 PM

Krewe Bohème • Friday, February 14th • 7:00 PM

Krewe du Vieux • Saturday, February 15th • 6:30 PM
krewedelusion follows

‘tit Rəx • Sunday, February 16th • 4:30 PM

Krewe of Nefertiti • Sunday, February 16th • 1:00 PM

Krewe of Cork • Friday, February 21st • 3:00 PM

Krewe of Oshun • Friday, February 21st • 5:30 PM
Krewe of Cleopatra follows

Krewe of Pontchartrain • Saturday, February 22nd• 11:30 AM
Legion of Mars follows
Krewe of Choctaw follows
Krewe of Freret follows

Knights of Sparta • Saturday, February 22nd • 5:30 PM

Krewe of Pygmalion • Saturday, February 22nd • 6:15 PM

Krewe of Barkus • Sunday, February 23rd • 2:00 PM

The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale • Sunday, February 23rd • 11:00 AM

Krewe of Carrollton • Sunday, February 23rd • 12:30 PM

Krewe of King Arthur • Sunday, February 23rd • 1:00 PM

Krewe of Druids • Wednesday, February 26th • 6:15 PM
Krewe of Alla follows

Knights of Babylon • Thursday, February 27th • 5:30 PM
Knights of Chaos follows

Krewe of Muses • Thursday, February 27th • 6:30 PM

Krewe of Bosom Buddies • Friday, February 28th • 11:30 AM

Krewe of Hermes • Friday, February 28th • 5:30 PM

Krewe d’Etat • Friday, February 28th • 6:30 PM
Krewe of Morpheus follows

Krewe of Iris • Saturday, March 1st • 11:00 AM

Krewe of Tucks • Saturday, March 1st • 12:00 PM

Krewe of Endymion • Saturday, March 1st • 4:00 PM

Krewe of Okeanos • Sunday, March 2nd • 11:00 AM
Krewe of Mid-City follows

Krewe of Thoth • Sunday, March 2nd • 12:00 PM

Krewe of Bacchus • Sunday, March 2nd • 5:15 PM

Krewe of Proteus • Monday, March 3rd | LUNDI GRAS • 5:15 PM

Krewe of Orpheus • Monday, March 3rd | LUNDI GRAS • 6:00 PM

Krewe of Zulu • Tuesday, March 4th | MARDI GRAS • 8:00 AM

Krewe of Rex • Tuesday, March 4th | MARDI GRAS • 10:30 AM
Krewe of Elks Orleans follows
Krewe of Crescent City follows

Kenner

Krewe of Isis • Saturday, March 1st • 6:00 PM

Westbank

The Mystic Krewe of Music • Monday, February 24th • 6:00 PM

The Krewe of Nandi • Wednesday, February 26th • 6:00 PM

Krewe of NOMTOC • Saturday, March 1st • 10:45 AM

Chalmette

Knights of Nemesis • Saturday, February 22nd • 1:00 PM

Northshore

Abita Springs

Krewe of Push Mow • Sunday, February 23rd • 2:00 PM

Bush

Krewe of Bush • Saturday, March 1st • 9:00 AM

Covington

Krewe of Majestic Parade • Saturday, January 25th • 11:00 AM

Krewe of Olympia • Saturday, February 22nd • 6:00 PM

Covington Lions Club • Tuesday, March 4th | MARDI GRAS • 10:00 AM
Carnival in Covington follows
Krewe of Bogue Falaya follows

Krewe of Mardi PAWS • Sunday, March 9th • 2:00 PM

Folsom

Krewe of Folsom • Tuesday, March 4th | MARDI GRAS • 2:00 PM

Hammond

Omega • Friday, February 21 • 6:30 PM

Madisonville

Krewe of Tchefuncte • Saturday, February 22nd • 1:00 PM

Mandeville

Krewe of Eve • Friday, February 21st • 7:00 PM

Krewe du Pooch • Saturday, March 15th • 12:00 PM

Pearl River

Krewe of Pearl River Lions Club • Sunday, February 16th • 1:00 PM

Slidell

Krewe of Titans • Friday, February 14th • 6:30 PM

Krewe of Bilge • Saturday, February 15th • 12:00 PM

Krewe of Poseidon • Saturday, February 15th • 6:00 PM

Krewe of Antheia • Sunday, February 16th • 1:00 PM

Krewe de Paws of Olde Towne • Saturday, February 22nd • 10:00 AM

Krewe of Dionysus • Sunday, February 23rd • 1:00 PM

Krewe of Selene • Friday, February 28th • 6:30 PM

Parade Into Your New Home!

From the Northshore to the Southshore, there are not only plenty of parades to experience but also plenty of properties for you to move into! See a list of our Northshore and Southshore properties and find the one that meets your needs today!


What’s Happening This Fall: Northshore Events 2024

Have Fun this Fall on the Northshore!

With October’s arrival comes festive fall weekends filled with excitement! Whether you’re into autumn vibes or something a bit spooky, there’s something for everyone to enjoy around the Northshore this month. Here are some exciting fall events happening in the area:

St. Tammany Parish Fair: October 2-6
  • A local tradition since 1910, this fair features a parade through town, Cheer/Dance Competition, Rodeo (Friday and Saturday), carnival rides, live music, livestock shows, horticultural exhibits, fair food, and much more.
Abita Fall Fest: October 11-12
  • Named Gambit’s Best Festival of 2023, the Abita Fall Fest is back to celebrate the art, music, and culture of Abita Springs, LA, with live music, delicious food, local craft vendors, and activities for all. 
Fall for Art: October 12 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM
  • The St. Tammany Art Association is hosting a celebration of music, art, and performing arts in historic downtown Covington. It will feature a sprawling Art Market along Columbia Street, live music, and demonstrations.
Covington Trailhead Movie Night: October 16 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Bring blankets and chairs to the Covington Trailhead for a free movie night featuring a screening of “Hocus Pocus”.
Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival: October 19-20 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Presented by Maritime Museum Louisiana, this festival attracts over 100 classic boats, spectator boats, and wooden boat enthusiasts for a two-day celebration of Louisiana’s maritime culture along the Tchefuncte River, featuring live music, arts and crafts, and the Quick & Dirty Boat parade and race.
Nightmare on Columbia: October 19 from 4:00 – 10:00 PM
  • This annual event in Downtown Covington features a sip-and-stroll with costumes and drink vendors, followed by a costume contest and a free concert. From 5:00-7:30 PM, enjoy food and drinks at tents along Columbia Street, then head to Covington Trailhead from 8:00-10:00 PM for live music and the costume contest.
Folsom Fall Garden Festival: October 26 from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Hosted annually, the Fall Garden Festival is a day of plant sales and an opportunity to talk with plant growers and learn more about Louisiana-grown plants. There will also be plate lunches available for purchase.
Field of Screams: October 26 from sunset to 10:00 PM
  • This free public event offers thrilling and chilling fun as the Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail will be transformed into a spooky wonderland, complete with food and beverages available for purchase.
Abita Springs Trunk-or-Treat Block Party: October 31 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Abita Town Hall’s free block party will have plenty of fun, including trunk-or-treating, a hayride, costume contests, live music, a photo booth, hot dogs, cotton candy, and more.

Find your New Home on the Northshore

Are you currently living on the Northshore or looking to make it your home? Check out our list of Northshore apartment communities in the area and discover the ideal place to enjoy everything this vibrant community has to offer.