With maintenance work and upgrades on the Boathouse currently underway, several additional improvements will be coming to Carondelet Park over the next year. Birds returning from their winter vacations next year should be able to relax in their very own bird habitat in spring 2016. The long-discussed habitat incorporating the old bear pit is in the design stage with requests for bids sought by mid-summer and construction to begin in the fall. The $80,000 project will include walking paths, benches, bird-friendly native plants and interpretive signage.

In addition, three “monument” entrance signs will be erected at the southeast, southwest and northeast corners of the park. Two more new types of signs, similar to those in Forest Park, will help orient visitors within the park. Destination signs will identify areas such as the Lyle House, the Boathouse and the Rec Plex, while vehicular signs will direct cars to these destinations as well as Horseshoe Lake, the playground, the mulch/recycling area and others. Improvements currently underway at the Boathouse include upgrading the dock, restoring the restrooms and making them ADA accessible. The cost of the projects will be covered by proceeds from a parks bond issue approved by the Board of Aldermen and the mayor in 2011.

Related content: Overview and amenities for Carondelet Park