Batture Park [DeSoto Park]

DPC-5

Observation

Batture Park [DeSoto Park] is currently under design as part of the State Capitol District.

Discussion

The land mass slated for Batture Park [DeSoto Park] is the largest one remaining along the shores of the Mississippi in proximity to the Downtown. At first sight, it seems evident that its design should be conceived to make use of its potential capacity as a venue for gatherings.

However, for festivals, it is not particularly well located relative to the commercial elements of the Downtown that would stand to benefit. The alternative design as a large naturalistic park may fare no better than the other similar parks on the Capitol grounds that are currently under-utilized. Public space in America, to be effective must have its activity supported by building at its edges.

As an ecological park demonstrating the ecology of the Mississippi, it has some promise if associated with the public education curriculum. This should be explored as it is compatible with the historical sub-text of the State Capitol Master Plan.

Recommendation

Follow the design of the State Capitol Master Plan.

Responsibility

Downtown Development District

Project Status

As part of the Louisiana State Capitol Park Landscape Guidelines and Master Plan, Michael Van Valkenburgh provided a concept design for DeSoto Park (Riverfront Park) in cooperation with State Capitol architects/landscape architects. ABMB Engineers were selected by the State Selection Board November 14, 1999 to do the engineering design for the park. At the request of the State Division of Administration, Plan Baton Rouge facilitated a Charrette in late February 2002 to determine programming for the riverfront park. The charrette design team included Eskew+, Suzanne Turner, Audubon Institute and The Waterfront Center.

At the request of the State Division of Administration, Plan Baton Rouge facilitated a Charrette in late February 2002 to determine programming for the riverfront park. The charrette design team included Eskew+, Suzanne Turner, Audubon Institute and The Waterfront Center. The project is stalled while the state is negotiating access rights with the Canadian Railroad. Allen Eskew presented the final report to the public on December 22, 2003.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

New Public Park

Responsibility

SCA

Implementing Agent

SCA

Feasibility Analysis

SCA

Initial Financing

SCA

Project Financing

SCB

Timing