A vacant city-owned lot in Central City will become a new park named for a beloved community activist who worked tirelessly to improve the neighborhood.
The City Council on Thursday (June 12) voted to approve the measure naming the park at 1801 S. Robertson St. in honor of Barbara Lacen-Keller.
“I can’t wait for the ribbon cutting when it’s done,” said Councilwoman Lesli Harris, who championed the effort to name the park for Lacen-Keller, who was affectionately known as “the mayor of Central City.”
“We’re so happy, and my mom would be so proud. She dedicated her life to community service and this would make her happy that people recognized her hard work,” said Dawn Bentley-Johnson, Lacen-Keller’s oldest daughter, who spoke before the council voted in favor of the measure.
The Preservation Resource Center supported the idea to name the greenspace for Lacen-Keller.
Before her death on Jan. 16, 2023, she was a member of the PRC’s board of directors and served as the head of the Multicultural Heritage Committee.
Work to rip up the concrete slab on the site is nearing completion.
Harris’ office is working with Thrive New Orleans to redevelop the lot through a cooperative endeavor agreement that also involves the New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways and Office of Youth and Families.
