Vision Plan
The master plan represents a vision, meaning it represents a conceptual idea of what Pontchartrain Beach could be. Pontchartrain Beach is envisioned to be a recreation area that residents and visitors in the New Orleans region will enjoy for generations to come.
Security and Safety
Pontchartrain Beach is intended as a cultural anchor site for the residents of New Orleans. As such, the security and safety of park-goers and surrounding area residents are of the utmost importance. The PBF planning and design team are evaluating a range of security strategies and techniques, including placing security officers at the entrance and throughout the park and equipping parking lots with CCTV cameras. A more detailed security plan will be made available as the project progresses.
Goals
Goals and programming will inform the designed spaces and facilities shown on the Master Plan. As defined in the goals, Pontchartrain Beach must provide a wide range of activities throughout the year to achieve seasonal interest and use. Consistent revenue throughout the year is necessary for the maintenance of the beach once these spaces are constructed, as well as for continued restoration of the beach itself and surrounding ecosystems.
Trash Collection
The westernmost area will house larger dumpsters for the collection of park waste from smaller cans throughout the park and at both the entrance and exits. The PBF intends to contract with a commercial trash pickup service for the regular collection of park waste and will provide a more detailed waste management plan as the project progresses.
Potential Program Elements & Facilities
Among the program elements and facilities envisioned are:
a safe, open beach area for swimmers, sunbathers, water fun
a separate waterfront cove for non-motorized boats
a separate waterfront cove for motorized boats
grassed areas in the shade of existing Live Oaks for sitting, picnicking, games
a renovated fishing pier
beach volleyball area
dog park and dog swimming (small and large dog areas)
jetties to protect the beach from erosion
beach nourishment to sustain the beach
areas for food trucks to temporarily park
kayak, canoe, pirogue rental vendor space
small event spaces
entry plaza
restrooms
East Cove
The Master Plan design includes multi-functional gathering spaces designed to flex as needed to accommodate small gatherings and events while also acting as passive recreation areas on a regular daily basis. In addition, five beach areas are designed each with its own distinct programming to provide for a wide range of user types including dog owners, kayakers, swimmers, boaters, and researchers.
Beginning a journey through the site in the east, users will enter from Lakeshore Drive and park in a shaded, curvilinear parking lot. Areas for additional parking are being considered. They will then walk through an entrance plaza with park security and an admission counter as views open up to the rest of the park. A main pedestrian circulation spine runs the length of the shoreline along the five beach areas. A vehicular service road runs parallel to the pedestrian circulation spine and provides access for emergency and maintenance vehicles and, potentially, food trucks. Employees and service vehicles enter from the parking lot in the west, which will serve as the westernmost anchor of the site.
Volleyball Courts
Along the pedestrian circulation spine, a series of gathering spaces are proposed for casual, everyday use as well as for the hosting of events at differing scales. The easternmost gathering area is programmed for open play. A semi-circular showcase of sculptural pieces is planned as the backdrop of this space. The most central gathering space is proposed to include beach volleyball courts, areas for food vendors and food truck staging, and seating on the grassed levee. The area between the volleyball court area and sculpture showcase is planned as the location for the restrooms and beach rental equipment. Moving west, another gathering space will feature an iconic pavilion that pays homage to the days when the beach was home to the Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park. Lastly, terraced seating on the western end acts as an amphitheater creating a small gathering space for performances and educational demonstrations beneath the shade sails.
Dog Park
The first of the five beach areas, the easternmost beach access point, is in the most need of restoration before access can be allowed. This area is envisioned serve as the dog park, planned on the western side of the jetty, to provide dog showers and shelter pavilions. This area is also proposed to house a launch dock for kayaks and other small, non-motorized craft, providing ease of access from the parking area.
On the other side of the jetty, a portion of the beach is fenced off to delineate the large and small dog parks. Each space provides both beach and water access for dogs while keeping them within their designated areas. Outside of the fence, the beach provides access to the non-motorized boating area. Both the jetty on the east and the sheet piling structure that frame this area provide lookout points and fire pits for evening users.
Swimming Cove
Further along the beach, between the sheet piling structure and pier, is the largest of the five beach areas, designated for swimming only. This area has a substantial sand surface and opens up toward the levee to the sand volleyball courts, providing easy access to restrooms, food vendors, and rentals. Access to the pier begins at the iconic ‘Pontchartrain Beach’ pavilion and terminates in the Lake. Fishing will be allowed from the western side of the pier, in the fourth beach section. Framed by the western jetty and the pier, this area is designated for motorized boats. The beach connects directly to the large gathering space and amphitheater, where the shade sails can provide shelter for beach-goers. The Park’s location behind an earthen levee provides the acoustic advantage of noise reduction from any programmed events. The terraces also provide a tranquil setting for enjoying the views.
Western Coves
The westernmost beach area is designated as a wetland and reef habitat for education and scientific study. Closer to the levee, the theme of native landscape preservation is continued by preserving the existing Live Oak grove to serves as a picnic area.
