Avenger Park

Another mini-park within Audubon that feels nice, it actually reminds me of suburban parts of European cities. Not to play it up too much, but it feels like one of those quiet, under-appreciated spaces that every big city inevitably has.

We stopped at this park and really enjoyed our walk and chat here. Definitely coming back. We only left because it was getting hotter and the heat was getting to me. I get sunburned quite easily so that was my fault.

-1 star for being a duplicate entry to the colloquial name for this park, the fly (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-fly-new-orleans). Notice that the common name has over 20 reviews, while the proper name only 1...OK, now 2.

This is a great spot to watch the river float by and to play on a jungle gym or to watch kids play sports (soccer, baseball, etc). Sunday nights are cruise night so don't get caught in the traffic.

Also, I've heard reports that they may close access down for months to work on the levees.

Avenger Park is located behind Audubon Zoo. Take River Drive behind the zoo and cross the railroad tracks. Also known as "The Fly" or "The Butterfly". The Fly is a great place to see the river. It has viewing stands and steps down to the water (DO NOT GET IN!!! DANGEROUS!!!) On a good day, you will be around about a hundred people picnicking, fishing, playing with dogs, playing soccer, studying or just having a good time. Also, as you drive along River Dr., you will pass behind the zoo. Sometimes you can see the giraffes above the fence.

I recommend to anyone to go to The Fly on a nice day, but it is a must for people from out of town who want a close up view of the Mississippi River.

Avenger Field was the baseball field on Tchoupitoulas Street immediately before going into Audubon Park. It was on the river side of Tchoupitoulas. Sometime around the mid 1950's the Ringling Brothers Circus set up their tents from the railroad tracks to Tchoupitoulas and used that area for their performances. The circus traveled by train and off loaded everything right there (equipment and animals) and the performers had sleeping cars. Circus used this area for a year or two. During the late fifties and early sixties, the Ed Brauner American Legion Post played softball every Sunday morning at the field. As a young neighborhood teen, I filled in as they did not have enough players to field two teams. Other neighborhood teens also participated, including Eddie Brauner, the son of the namesake. Not sure, if and when, the "Fly" took on the name Avenger Park.