St. Bernard Parish to Hold Rededication Ceremony for Patricia Park in Arabi

St. Bernard Parish Government will rededicate newly opened Patricia Park in Arabi on Friday February 28, 2025. A ribbon cutting will be held at the park for 11:30 am, which is located at 1809 Karl Dr. Arabi, La 70032. Later that day, Arpent Realty and Property Management will sponsor a Community Grand Opening Reception on-site, welcoming the entire community to gather and commemorate a significant milestone in the ongoing recovery and revitalization of the St. Claude Heights community.

For generations, Patricia Park stood as a cornerstone of the neighborhood—a place where families gathered, children played, and friendships were formed. That legacy was nearly erased on March 22, 2022, when a violent tornado tore through Arabi, leaving behind catastrophic damage. Just nine months later, in December 2022, another tornado struck, further testing the resilience of an already shaken community. Councilmember at Large Gillis McCloskey explains “as the surrounding St. Claude Heights neighborhood began their efforts to rebuild, an even greater emphasis was placed on the revitalization of Patricia Park, an effort that began in 2017 – spanning 3 Parish Councils, 2 Administrations, 27 tropical events, and 2 anomalous tornados.” The rededication of Patricia Park is more than just a celebration of its physical restoration; it is a powerful tribute to the perseverance, unity, and unwavering spirit of a community that refused to be broken.

“This park is more than just a playground—it’s a symbol of what we’ve overcome,” said Parish President Louis Pomes. “The people of Arabi have shown incredible strength and determination in the face of unimaginable hardship. By rededicating Patricia Park, we honor not just the rebuilding of this space, but the resilience of this entire community.”

The ceremony will recognize the many community partners, charity organizations, first responders, residents and volunteers who played a vital role in Arabi’s recovery. The new park will proudly stand as a reminder of the compassion, generosity, and unwavering support that poured in from across the country in the aftermath of a tragic event. This rededication is a testament to our collective resilience, a tribute to the families who endured unimaginable loss, and a promise to the generations to come that the heart of this community remains steadfast and strong.

We hope to see you there as we celebrate this important milestone together.

Patricia Park Rededication

📅 Friday, February 28, 2025
📍 Patricia Park, 1809 Karl Dr. Arabi, La 70032

All are invited to attend the Ribbon Cutting at 11:30 am and a Community Reception at 5:30 pm (free and open to the public with food, refreshments, and family fun for all ages, sponsored by Arpent Realty and St. Bernard Parish Government)

For more information, please contact the Office of Parish President Louis Pomes at (504)278-4303.

St. Bernard Parish Government, on behalf of the residents and community we serve, extend our deepest gratitude and recognition to project partners and community event sponsors:

Project Partners: