Wally Pontiff Jr. Playground, formerly Metairie Playground, is a Jefferson Parish public playground located at 1521 Palm Street in Metairie, Louisiana. It is Jefferson Parish's oldest public playground.[1]
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Development of Metairie Playground began in 1945, following the end of World War II and during a time of civic progress in Jefferson Parish.[2] The playground was dedicated in 1952.[2] The playground was renamed on June 28, 2003, in memory of Wally Pontiff, Jr., who played college baseball for Louisiana State University. 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.[1]
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.[3]
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 1945 | Development of Metairie Playground initiated[2] |
| 1952 | Dedication of Metairie Playground[2] |
| June 28, 2003 | Dedication ceremony held at 10 a.m. renaming Metairie Playground the Wally Pontiff, Jr. Playground |
| August 29, 2005 | Hurricane Katrina strikes New Orleans, severely damaging Pontiff Playground |
| August 1, 2007 | The Friends of Pontiff Playground, Inc. holds a meeting to discuss the proposed reconstruction master plan |
If the 2007 proposed reconstruction of the playground is completed, 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.[3][4]
Athletic Standouts include: Taylor Bacques with Track and Field, James Sampognaro with Basketball,and most notably Parker Ryan, a Multi-sport threat in his time.