NEW ORLEANS – City Park Conservancy is starting 2026 with a day dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Annual Day of Service in New Orleans City Park coincides with the National Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, New Orleanians will come together on Monday, Jan. 19, to help care for the Park’s 1,300 acres by lending a hand to beautify the community’s greenspace and transform common areas, trails, and facilities.
“I can’t think of a better way to get the year started than sprucing up City Park,” said CPC Director of Volunteer Services Melissa Passman about the service day. “The park provides so much for the community, and this is the community’s chance to give back and show its appreciation.”
In 1994, Congress designated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official Day of Service, taking place on the third Monday in January each year – it is the only federal holiday observed as an official Day of Service. Previous park initiatives have yielded incredible results including 300 pounds of concrete removed from the bayou shoreline, 187 bags of litter and recyclables compiled, and a freshly painted City Park Police station.
This year’s projects are concentrated in Couturie Forest, focused on improving nature trails for the community and native-habitat restoration. Community members are encouraged to sign up for specific two-hour projects including nature-trail mulching and invasive-plant removal. All volunteers must pre-register by Friday, Jan. 16, to participate in the Annual Day of Service. Minimum age to attend is 13 – must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information and to register, please visit NewOrleansCityPark.org.