City Park Conservancy secures $2M gift for historic park renovation

Donation from Stewart Foundation will transform 1935 maintenance corral into new public gathering space

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:34pm

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The City Park Conservancy in New Orleans has received a $2 million donation from the Samuel Barton Stewart III Memorial Foundation to support renovations under the City Park 2050 Plan, including the restoration of the Park's historic 1935 maintenance corral. The funding will transform the structure into the S. Barton Stewart III Center, a public gathering space designed to enhance connectivity between the Park's north and south sides. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2027.

Why it matters

The renovation aligns with priorities identified in the City Park 2050 planning process, including expanded access to natural areas, improved recreational amenities, and stronger visitor connectivity. The restored building and surrounding landscape will serve as a modern gateway while preserving the site's historical significance.

The details

The $2 million donation from the Stewart Foundation will enable the first of many improvements to the Park as part of its City Park 2050 vision. The project will create a space connecting visitors to nature, recreation, and community, and will include enhancements to surrounding areas to improve views and access to Little Lake, the Pelican Greenhouse, and the broader north side of the Park.

  • The renovation project is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
  • The historic 1935 maintenance corral was originally built by the Works Progress Administration.

The players

City Park Conservancy

The organization that manages the 1,300-acre City Park in New Orleans, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.

Samuel Barton Stewart III Memorial Foundation

The foundation that donated $2 million to support the renovation project.

Greater New Orleans Foundation

The foundation that has partnered with the Stewart Foundation to develop a multi-year grant strategy honoring the legacy of Barton and Shirley Stewart.

State of Louisiana

The state government that is also contributing support for the initiative.

Richard Koch

The architect who designed the original 1935 maintenance corral building in the Louisiana Colonial Revival style.

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What they’re saying

“This donation enables the first of many impactful improvements to the Park as part of its City Park 2050 vision – restoring a beloved historic structure into a welcoming, contemporary public asset.”

— Rebecca Dietz, President and CEO of City Park Conservancy

“The investment will serve the public for decades to come and aims to strengthen City Park's role in education and community engagement, particularly for families and young people.”

— Kurt Garcia, Chairman and President of the Stewart Foundation

“The project will honor the Stewarts' legacy while providing a gathering space in the heart of City Park for generations to come.”

— Andy Kopplin, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation

What’s next

The renovation project is expected to be completed by fall 2027.

The takeaway

This donation from the Stewart Foundation will enable the first of many improvements to New Orleans' City Park as part of its City Park 2050 vision, restoring a historic structure into a modern public gathering space that will serve the community for decades to come.