- Pontiff Playground
Wally Pontiff Jr. Playground, formerly Metairie Playground, is named after
Louisiana State University baseball playerWally Pontiff, Jr. and is located at 1521 Palm Street inMetairie, Louisiana . This oldest playground "Metairie Playground Renamed in Memory of LSU Athlete, Wally Pontiff, Jr.", "Jefferson Parish webpage", 2007, webpage: [http://www.jeffparish.net/index.cfm?DocID=2933 Renamed] . ] 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. Wally grew up playing baseball at Metairie playground. 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. "Metairie Playground Renamed in Memory of LSU Athlete, Wally Pontiff, Jr.", "Jefferson Parish webpage", 2007, webpage: [http://www.jeffparish.net/index.cfm?DocID=2933 Renamed] . ]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. "A New Vision for Pontiff Playground", "NOLA", 2007, webpage: [http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/2007/07/a_new_vision_for_pontiff_playg.html#Scene_1 NewVision] . ]Development Timeline
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. "A New Vision for Pontiff Playground", "NOLA", 2007, webpage: [http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/2007/07/a_new_vision_for_pontiff_playg.html#Scene_1 new_vision NewVision] . ] "New Look for Pontiff Playground", "NOLA", 2007, webpage: [http://blog.nola.com/graphics/2007/07/new_look_for_pontiff_playgroun.html NewLook] . ]
Sports
Ground Photos
See also
*
Metairie
*Jefferson Parish References
External links
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