Rue La Fourche. Connecting: Art. Culture. Heritage

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1 Rue La Fourche Connecting: Art. Culture. Heritage

2 Lafourche to the Gulf: Cultural Connection Vision Formed thousands of years ago, Bayou Lafourche is a 100 mile long tributary of the Mississippi River. It became the main route for exiled French citizens from Canada and France. Communities along the Bayou reflect these unique traditional patterns in today s culture, art, food, architecture, and language. Connecting these communities is vital for maintaining this history, while ensuring it is reflected in both physical and social aspects. Mission This plan begins to connect the countless historical and environmental sites along the Bayou by way of car, boat, bike, and pedestrian traffic. By having a clear vision in mind, it will help with smaller projects as they move forward. This will elevate features in our Parish, and will help to emphasize the present architecture, art, recreation, and other cultural amenities. By designating this connection, the plan will begin to connect each point along the bayou to create a cohesive region that reflects the past, and gives future generations the creative power to continue traditions. Goals 1. Establish a multi-modal, cohesive path along the route. 2. Exemplify historical and modern assets that provide amenities for both residents and visitors. 3. Create creative places to cultivate business, art, and quality of life. Outcomes This plan will not be implemented at one time. However, putting a proposed idea will allow the Parish to utilize these plans as projects come about. The path as a cohesive unit may never be completed; but the connectivity and idea will help residents and visitors hold the cultural value to the land. Actions Create a consistency for signage and design for the entire route; will also identifying specific sub-areas that pertain to the entire region, but focus on amenities specifically related to the areas culture. Create physical entrances and exits in communities, and ensure their assets are directly represented along the trail. Identify environmental areas specifically dedicated to various activities related to nature, including water, vegetation, and animals. Retain current residents through younger generation and attract younger residents currently working in Lafourche but not living here. Attract large activities such as bike races/tours, marathons, boating expeditions, and other outdoor activities. Ensure the physical qualities of our communities continue to attract everyday visitors from across the world. Physically link historical and modern cultural amenities along Bayou Lafourche. Give a clear distinction to visitors how to transverse the cultural assets of Bayou Lafourche. Allow citizens to constantly identify themselves with the past and present in everyday life. Attract new residents by allowing them to live within the cultural heritage of the area.

3 The Fork Road Best Practices Southern Louisiana prides itself on people and places that have maintained hundreds of years of history. This history is embedded in the social environment, and this plan will enable that to be reflected in the physical place. Sometimes the only way to understand the region is within people. However a visual physical link is lacking along the Bayou, but is the backbone of the area since the 15th Centaury. The area was used as a secluded fishing, boating, and pirating area; and remained relatively secluded until the late 20th century. By that point their roots were established: be it French, African, Spanish, German, Vietnamese, or American. Thus the only place to truly find their cultural roots are within the language, festivals, building habits, and recreational activities. In recent year the area has been expanding rapidly with in and out migration from oil, shipping, and fishing. Making it crucial to retain the historical cultural connections. Post-Katrina the Bayou Lafourche Corridor Plan was completed and several projects in that plan have already been implemented. This document sets a broader range of implementation for that document. It unifies the entire corridor which is important for both tourism and local heritage. Enhancing the entire corridor through a connectivity factor will exemplify the quality of life aspects present in Lafourche. Lafourche s literal meaning is the Fork, thus the icon of the fork is very applicable to the area. As is the term Dig In. Not only does that relate directly to eating (which the Parish is known for), but it s a proactive term to enjoy the lifestyle of the area. This can be the active communities along the bayou, or the quiet marsh lands and swamps where people can relax with nature. Thus, this fork sculpture should be replicated as a way finding tool up and down the bayou. In addition, this simple sculpture can be an active art feature for encouraging the creativity. Thus the fork sculpture should be used to direct people along the route car, boat, pedestrian, horse, bike, or any other methods of transportation. It should call out historical and environmental signs; along with being used for educational signage. However, the options are unlimited on how the fork can be used; and this plan encourages the use of the fork in anyway conceived by the creative mind. To the right are images that capture the cultural integrity of the area. From Mardi Gras, to the swamps, the church, and festivals; this area has always induced an artistic creativity from the community. Below these images are ideas how to expand on the unique creativity to use art in both traditional and non-traditional ways. That icon and identity can be used creativity by all people up and down the bayou. Cultural Assets Creative Opportuni- 4

4 Destination Landmarks BEST PRACTICES The path itself would, and should be 100+ miles, which is almost impossible to tackle. Thus first developments need to take place around destinations. This includes city/town center, natural features, historic landmarks, or other areas identified in the Bayou Lafourche Corridor Plan. To the right are examples of these landmarks. The center core of Thibodaux, Lockport, and Larose are great examples of areas already implementing their destination opportunities for a cohesive trail. These opportunities can then be expanded, and are identified in the next few pages of these books. Historical districts, downtowns, water features, and churches are historic and modern assets to the region and creating energy around these community assets will further enhance the overall quality of the Parish. Right: Downtown Lockport Middle Left: Lower Bayou Lafourche Commerce Middle Right: Historical cemetery in Larose Bottom Left: St. Joseph Cathedral in Thibodaux Bottom Right: Rienzi Plantation House Below is an example of a park that used historical identification to create a park that gave a sense of identity, while creating recreational space from a historical feature. There is great opportunities for this type of development at the former mouth of Bayou Lafourche in Donaldsonville; and also the former mouth of Bayou Terrebonne on Canal Boulevard. Overall, the town centers along the bayou are important to maintain and enhance because it affects the most residents, and it s the first place visitors come to gain a sense of orientation to the area. Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site 6

5 Unifying Trail BEST PRACTICES Bayou Side - Urban Area An example of a combination trail and path bayou side is shown on the right. Currently in Golden Meadow, Highway One runs along Bayou Lafourche. By adding bike, pedestrian, and green space, a sense of identity will be added to downtown Golden Meadow. While this model shows Golden Meadow, it can be used in all the communities that front the bayou. Buffalo Bayou Houston, Texas This started as a flood risk reduction for the city of Houston, and has now transformed into a 60 mile greenway and blueway that starts in the rural area of Houston and moves into an urban trail. Tammany Trace North Shore One of the few cohesive trails in Louisiana is the Tammany Trace located on the North Shore of New Orleans. This trail is an urban and rural trail that is over 30 miles long and attracts both residents and visitors to the area. Today many businesses and residents locate along the trail because of easy access and activity generated by the trail. Urban Trail Highway 182 holds a historically significant past as the original gulf coast highway connecting New Orleans to Lafayette. Areas like Raceland should be enhanced to reflect this important connector by ensuring street side amenities are added for residents and businesses along inside the town. This is just one example of several communities along the bayou. Rural Bayou Trail Just south of Mathews, Highway One fronts the Bayou. There are several areas along Highway 1 and 308 that have areas that can be used for pedestrian, bike, and even water access. This will begin to enhance the area for residents, while providing pieces to complete a cohesive trail. 8

6 Chackbay Loop Left The entire loop would follow Highway 1, Highway 307, Highway 20, and Laurel Valley Road. Top There is an existing trail in front of Nicholls University, along with dedicated land in front of the campus. This should be used as a destination for both land and water uses. There is currently a wide shoulder with little to no structures running along the bayou, until the T-Boise Bridge. Middle Laurel Valley Road is a new road connecting Thibodaux and Chackbay. This right of way could be expanded to include a walk/bike path. Bottom The Chackbay area is built densely along the road. However, several sidewalk portions run along the road. These sections should tie into the overall project. Bottom Left This is a proposed street section of what this portion of the road should look like. By separating bikes and pedestrians, it will allow use of the path at all times. As a spur off the Bayou, this trail would provide an approximately 20 mile loop along existing right of way. By completing the loop, it could be used by long distance runners and bikers. The path would wind along the bayou through historical Thibodaux and Chackbay; and past the Rienzi Plantation and Laurel Valley Plantation. It would provide access to both bayou side, swamp, and sugar cane fields. Making it a good course for both recreational and competition activities. A good portion of this route already has dedicated right-of-ways for either pedestrian or bikers. Along Highway 308 the state installed a shoulder for bikers. Small upgrades would make it safer for both bikers and pedestrians (see street section on adjoining page). Laurel Valley Road was recently completed, and a survey of the right-ofway might prove enough space to include a bike lane and/or sidewalk. Highway 307 would need an upgrade, however a good portion of Highway 20 already has a sidewalk and/or bike path in Chackbay and Thibodaux. Existing Trail Proposed Trail 10 Combined Trail

7 Thibodaux Bayou Lafourche Corridor Plan Main Street Thibodaux, Inc. Left: Downtown Thibodaux Above: Downtown Thibodaux Bayou Side Enhancements Below: Ensure Nicholls State University blends with the trail and city. Bayou Lafourche Corridor Plan Thibodaux is by far the largest and most historical city along the bayou. In addition, it is home to Nicholls State University, the only university serving the coast. Downtown Thibodaux fronts Bayou Lafourche, however access to the bayou is almost non-existent. The city needs to turn its focus back on the bayou. Downtown is fairly lively at night, and this energy needs to be relayed to the bayou. Thibodaux is lucky to house the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park to the north, and this relationship can be strengthened for both tourist and resident s use. This can turn into a direct connection between downtown Thibodaux and Nicholls State University. By using the bayou to make these connections it will reinforce the importance of the National Park, university, and the city s neighborhoods. The path depicted above is slowly being completed. Currently there is a path from Jean Lafitte to downtown being constructed that will almost complete a walking path along Highway 1 downtown. The completed portion should be upgraded to include pedestrian and bicycle amenities. This will make it attractive for both pedestrians and vehicles entering downtown. Finally, the bicycle lane along the shoulder of Highway 308 needs to be upgraded and connected with the new path being constructed on Highway 20. There should also be a path along Highway 1 connecting the Canal Street pedestrian bridge, the Chamber of Commerce pedestrian bridge, church, schools, and Nicholls State University

8 Raceland Schools Using Safe Routes to School, Lafourche Parish is running a sidewalk between Alidore Subdivision and Raceland Elementary/Middle School. This helps complete a northern portion of the route, connecting to the historical core of Raceland. Highway New Orleans to Lafayette Highway 182 was the old highway connecting New Orleans to Lafayette. This route would be a good connection, similar to the route being constructed between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Continuous routes like this are needed for regional communities. Bayou Bridge The existing sidewalk across the bayou makes this an ideal location to cross the bayou. The path can then continue down Highway 1 to the Visitors Bureau, market, and boat launch. Raceland has a traditional urban core and connects to the north, south, east, and west. These should be emphasized along the Highway 182 corridor. This portion of the trail will have a more urban feel (bottom left). In addition, there is a great opportunity to enhance the area around the US 90 interchange to help in welcoming people to the Parish. Right of way and sidewalk already exist in the older part of Raceland. Amenities should be added along Highway 1 and 308. Connecting at the visitor s center and proposed boat launch. It should then connect to the hospitals, schools, and businesses south of the interchange. These areas should create more pedestrian friendly amenities. Raceland Commercial Core The historical core of Raceland lies at the intersection of Highway 182 and Bayou Lafourche. Commercial businesses line Highway 182 as it crosses the bayou and heads north, then west to Houma. By creating an urban-like trail through the town, it will help revitalize the traditional core. This will encourage new businesses along the highways and bayous. Landmarks Stars distinguish historical, civic, and other significantly important buildings in Raceland. These buildings contribute to the culture and appeal to the area. They should be enhanced along the route. 14

9 Mathews Government Center After the old government complex was evacuated during Hurricane Gustav, a former box store site has been expanding to a rather large government complex. However it does not reflect a typical government center and lacks an attractive reflection of Lafourche Parish. Its location is in the center of the Parish puts it in one of the densest parts of the Parish. In addition, transportation access to the area is ideal for automobile, pedestrian, and even water transport because of the hospital, school, and numerous commercial activities located nearby. Thus the government center should be a catalyst in enhancing the entire area. Below are examples of a civic center in Houston that used private/public partnerships in a suburban area to allow for public engagement. These steps include access management, transportation diversification, and beatification. Below the Civic Center example are best practices for parking lot management. This not only improves the attractiveness of the area, it ensures water run off does not hurt the adjacent bayous and water bodies. The Parish should create a plan for the Mathew s Government Complex that can utilize the entire area better, including parking lot enhancements and overall connectivity to businesses and Bayou Lafourche. This will help with identity and encourage additional economic investment. In addition, pedestrian connections between the hospitals, high school, and government complex. These places should be further enhanced to ensure they are using the overall trail system to connect to adjacent residential areas, and the schools in Raceland. Top: Upper Kirby Civic Center in Houston Texas. This layout uses public and private uses to create civic space that helps the community and generates economic development activity to the area. Bottom: Examples on how parking lots can be turned into better public spaces. In addition, this will help with water filtration as runoff flows into the bayou and swamps. Top: The layout of the commercial buildings, schools, and government buildings give a great opportunity for connections between the type of uses. Bottom: Example on how the street side appeal could be improved to create a government center representing the Parish

10 Lockport Bayou Side Business Downtown Lockport is located at an opportune link in Bayou Lafourche. The catalyst is the park, which provides both access to the bayou, along with recreational opportunities. The Bayou Playhouse Theater along the bank already utilizes an overlook for the bayou. With that building and the park, other businesses can continue to utilize bayou views in the downtown area. Top: Trail link possibilities. Bottom: Bayou Lafourche Corridor Plan Water Access As seen to the left, downtown Houma has already begun ensuring Bayou Terrebonne is viably accessible to the residents. Lockport has an ideal location because it does not have as many large boats, but still has multiple access points to the bayou and canal. By connecting the Wetland Boardwalk along Highway 308 to the Lockport Park via the existing bridge, this water connection can be more interactive for the residents. It will also provide a crucial key to the entire Bayou Lafourche trail system. 18 Public Art The Bayou Playhouse is unique to the community and represents the creative minds already present in the community. Public art can be used to enhance the community even further. To the left is a simple public art installation that had major benefits for downtown Houma. Small projects should be considered for the bayou, the park, downtown, the adjacent historic neighborhoods, and the boardwalk.

11 Morganza to the Gulf Recently the Morganza to the Gulf project was approved and is currently moving forward. As seen to the left, this levee system will transverse some of Louisiana s greatest marshland and coast line, while defending the community from coastal erosion. This area includes some of the country s richest marshland, diverse wildlife, and bird migration patterns. Thus it is a perfect opportunity to create access along the project as it moves forward. Louisiana Mississippi River Trail Feasibility Study Completed to assist communities along the river to install various parts of the trail for the benefit. The Mississippi River has a similar trail that operates along the levees from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Already bikers and runners from around the country use this linkage in competitions and recreational use. Communities along the banks use the river access on an everyday basis for recreation and community promotion. Louisiana Revised Statue 38:301 specifically allows Parishes to use the levee for trail access. In addition, this statue allows for the public use of levee board, drainage board, or government authority where a levee district doesn t exist, as long as it does not compromise the integrity of the levee. Thus it should be considered that a similar statement for the Morganza to Gulf be made, and ensure the levee is built to the standards to hold a path. Levee Trail System The rail running along the Mississippi River transfers pipelines and maintenance roads, yet does not hinder the functionality of business. (Picture taken from the LAMRT Study - right). Not only would this path give an enormous opportunity for access to some of the greatest marshland in our nation, it would link Lockport, Larose and the Bayou Lafourche trail to Houma. This also creates a potential of an even longer trail that would run across coastal Louisiana. Trail Amenities As taken from the LAMRT Study, amenities along the trail would allow for access to water bodies and environmental features outside of the levee district. This would include parking, bike and pedestrian facilities, and water access. 20 Louisiana Mississippi River Trail Feasibility Study An example of how the trail interacts with pipelines, services roads, and industry along the river. Long trails like this benefit the community as a whole. However, it also generates economic activity by attracting events such as the Baton Rouge to NOLA run, multi-day group biking events, and everyday use by residents. This activity gives opportunities for businesses to establish services along the trail.

12 Larose New Orleans Water Plan The intracostal canal bridge is already equipped with a pedestrian crossing. Improvements will have to be made for everyday use. Importance of maintaining the canal and bayou for boat access, while making it a visual center to Larose. Opportunity for recreational use, such as a boat harbor or other space. Historically churches were established down the bayou and settlements grew around the buildings. Maintaining this importance is crucial. Larose Community Park already provides recreational activities, a library, and a civic center. This should be grown to interact with the bayou and trail. Possibly being expanded to a wildlife area in the northern portion, as identified in the Bayou Lafourche Corridor Plan. The only crossing over Bayou Lafourche should be made a cultural reminder of the areas past, while ensuring safety for cars, boats, and pedestrians. The traditional business center lines the bayou. The trail should encourage redevelopment of this center to be culturally significant and centered on bayou business. Larose is located at an ideal intersection of the Intracoastal Canal and Bayou Lafourche, giving it at great economic position for shipping, building, and fishing. In addition, its location is far enough north that it has more protection than many of the communities to the south. Giving it better access for potential evacuations. With jobs along the coast, residential population can be sustained in this area. By enhancing the waterfront, improving recreational activities, and building an interlinking trail; Larose can become a destination for younger residents seeking employment. Above is an example pulled from the New Orleans Water Plan that shows how water can interact with residents to tie them back to the land. Below are examples of existing conditions in Larose, and options on how businesses can utilize the bayou side of Highway 1 and 308. Business potential along the bayou is prevalent in Larose. Similar to Mystic County, CT, Larose can utilize waterfronts to its full advantage. 22

13 South Levee Loop Boating Kayaking Fishing Hunting Similar to the Morganza to the Gulf, the South Lafourche Levee system can be used for public access. Many opportunities exist along this area, and give access to marsh and coastal waters. As outlined to the left, various areas along the levee system can be used for outdoor activities. In order for this to take place, the levee board needs to evaluate state law and apply it to the conditions of the levees along the system. The goal is to complete the loop at some point, however the conditions of the levee are not currently up to standards. Evaluations and testing should start to see the feasibility of completing the loop. Lafourche Safe Harbor University of New Orleans Urban Planning studio on how an inland body of water can be utilized year round. In the Bayou Lafourche Corridor Plan, a safe harbor is recommended inside the levee system near Golden Meadow. This safe harbor is being planned, however new considerations should be given. At the top is a student project from the Planning Department at the University of New Orleans which outlines various activities that can take place on a water body. Below is a take out from the New Orleans Water Plan, which shows multi-functions of water protection with recreation. These ideas and more should blend together in Southern Lafourche as protection devices are installed. Birding Hiking New Orleans Water Plan Living With Water Biking Canoeing Walking 24

14 Golden Meadow Combining the commerce of Bayou Lafourche with the traditional commercial core (red) will enhance the highway and walking path. In addition, connections across the bayou and to the park should be taken into consideration. There are a lot of assets in the community already. They should be utilized in a combining link along the trail like that shown below, pulled from the New Orleans Water Plan. Golden Meadow is positioned as the last city inside the levee system. Thus it is seeing an influx in population because of employers along the coast. The town s identity is the bayou itself. Highway 1 runs along the edge and is lined with fishing and shipping boats. The scenery is very true to its economic engine. Thus the trail itself is held to this tradition. The Lafourche Corridor Master Plan mainly identifies Oak Ridge Community Park and using the trail as an urban access to the coast. This includes recreation and possibly a seafood farmers market in the park. There are two main commercial areas that should plan enhanced streetscape design. As shown on the map to the left, the upper portion includes the library and the church. There are several buildings reflecting the heritage of the area as well. In the lower portion of the town is a cluster of businesses around the bridge. This is the location of the High School and the final bridge where cars and pedestrians can cross. This area needs to focus on the bayou side and street scape elements corresponding with the town. Much of the bayou side is used for boat docking along with a levee wall. Using these existing assets, simple streetscape enhancements can reflect easily reflect the cultural appearance. Lafourche Comprehensive Resiliency Plan 26 27

15 Leeville Lafourche Comprehensive Resiliency Plan Being outside the levee system, Leeville has few permanent residents. However, it is a valuable location for fishing and boating and houses numerous temporary residents, be it recreational visitors or employees working on the coast. It is also a good point for people to stop for supplies prior to Grand Isle or Port Fourchon. Since it is outside the levee system it exhibits many appealing aspects of living. Elevated houses, boats, fishing stores, restaurants, etc. It holds true to the recreational lifestyle that is seen in this area of the coast. There is also a new boat launch being built, and connectivity to that boat launch will help with the overall recreation and economic driver to the town. Currently Highway 1 is being elevated for better access to the Gulf Coast. This comes as an issue for the community because many people traveling to the coast skip the community. However, it gives more control over the old Highway 1. Thus it can further enhance the recreational use of the area by upgrading it for pedestrian, bikers, and boaters. It can become a more mixed use road from this portion down to Fourchon Beach and Grand Isle. The area should take advantage of this access for visitors to the area

16 Fourchon Beach Lafourche Comprehensive Resiliency Plan Just recently the State of Louisiana allocated money to the Beachfront Development Commission. Prior to this allocation the beachfront had a commission that had created a revitalization of the beachfront. Not only does this area provide coastal access, it is one of the first defenses against storm surges. This should be taken into consideration when providing recreational activities along the beach. The Bayou Lafourche Corridor and the Beachfront Plan have identified several aspects of the site already. It is now only a matter of construction. As seen to the left is a large fishing pier for ocean fishing. This would coincide with the Beachfront Plan which suggests other recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, boating, and camps. Fourchon Beach would also be the terminus of Rue La Fourche. Any visitor to the area would realize this was a portion of the outfall for the Mississippi River. Fishing, boating, shipping, and mining are big economic generators in the area. This history should be reflected along the route. Taken from the Bayou Lafourche Corridor Plan, the above shows a map of the area that should be improved upon. To the left is a sketch of the beachfront, which is outlines in the Beachfront Development Commission s plan. The coastal area is still recovering from the oil spill. However, the sand on the beach is well suited for swimming

17 First Steps 1. Adopt various aspects needed for future infrastructure projects, including: Proposed street sections along the bayou that can be used by both private and public entities; A complete Street s Policy for local roads; Adopt the Fork as the wayfinding sign down the bayou. This will also give people the opportunity to use it in public art displays. 2. Integrate projects already completed in the Bayou Lafourche Corridor Plan including: Lockport Park (connect to boardwalk and build out trail along bayou); Mathews Farmer s Market (complete boat launch and building out trail north and south along Highway 1). 3. Work with projects in the planning stages: Broader plan for Safe Harbor; Update of the Fourchon Beach; Access to Morganza to the Gulf; and Commercial Core study of Larose. 5. Begin implementation of the Chackbay loop. 6. Investigate the feasibility of public access and a trail along the South Lafourche Levees. 7. Create an area plan for the Mathews area that includes the Government Complex, High School, hospital, and commercial areas. Also taking into consideration adjacent residential areas, especially across the bayou running towards Gheens. 8. Work with Thibodaux, Lockport, and Golden Meadow to implement plans within their cities. 9. Work with Assumption and Ascension Parish s to complete the linkage up to the Mississippi River. 4. Expand on the current boardwalk at Lockport Park: Plan the expansion of the boardwalk and access to water; Plan the connection to Lockport Park Investigate funding sources 33

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