Discovering Laketown: Where Kenner Meets the Lake
Nestled along the southern shores of Lake Pontchartrain, the Laketown neighborhood is one of Kenner’s most beloved and unique communities. Though it is often celebrated today for its scenic lake views, lively parks, and family-friendly amenities, Laketown’s roots stretch back over a century, bearing witness to the broader story of Kenner’s growth from rural outpost to thriving suburb. For longtime residents and newcomers alike, Laketown offers a rich heritage and an enduring sense of place.
Origins: The Birth of Laketown
Laketown’s story is intrinsically tied to its geographical location. In the early 20th century, Kenner was still a small settlement on the outskirts of New Orleans, primarily known for its agricultural fields and proximity to important transportation routes. The patch of land that would become Laketown remained largely undeveloped until advances in flood protection and the construction of levees allowed for more ambitious growth along the lakefront.
The neighborhood’s name, “Laketown,” is simple yet evocative—it reflects both the community’s proximity to Lake Pontchartrain and its aspirations to be a hub of lakeside recreation and connectivity. By the late twentieth century, as Kenner evolved into a more urbanized city, city leaders recognized the potential of the lakefront as a source of civic pride and public enjoyment.
Landmarks and Milestones: Shaping the Laketown Identity
Over the decades, several key milestones and built landmarks have contributed to the character and identity of Laketown:
- Laketown Park: The centerpiece of the neighborhood, Laketown Park, runs along Williams Boulevard at the northern end, right where the street meets the lake. Opened in the 1990s, this public park transformed the lakeshore into a gathering place with walking paths, pavilions, a boat launch, and stunning views of sunsets over the water. Local festivals, concerts, and family gatherings have made Laketown Park the beating heart of the community.
- Pontchartrain Center: Just south of the lakefront, on Williams Boulevard, stands the Pontchartrain Center. Opened in 1991, this multi-purpose arena became the premier venue for concerts, trade shows, and graduations in Jefferson Parish. Its construction marked a pivotal point in Kenner’s efforts to bring cultural events and economic activity to Laketown.
- Treasure Chest Casino: Anchored on a floating barge along the lakeshore, the Treasure Chest Casino has been an iconic presence since 1994. Beyond its gaming floors, the casino offers dining and entertainment, drawing visitors from across the region and contributing significantly to the local economy.
- Heritage Traces: While Laketown is mainly recognized for its post-war and modern contributions, keen observers can still find traces of earlier eras, such as remnants of levee works and pilings from long-gone fishing camps that dotted this shoreline before large-scale development.
The Lakeshore Renaissance: Reclaiming the Water’s Edge
The transformation of Laketown from open space to vibrant neighborhood reflects a broader “lakeshore renaissance” that unfolded throughout the latter half of the twentieth century. For decades, the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline was underutilized, with much of it cut off by levees and industrial uses. City planners, residents, and business leaders saw in Laketown the opportunity to reconnect Kenner to the water and create a signature destination.
Development of public green spaces, such as the Kenner Boat Launch and Fisherman’s Pier, invited families and anglers from all backgrounds to enjoy fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The building of dedicated bike and walking trails along the lake brought new patterns of recreation and helped foster a stronger sense of community and environmental stewardship.
Community Life: Old Traditions and New Beginnings
For generations, Laketown has been a place where residents celebrate both the old and the new. Annual events such as the Kenner Freedom Fest, held at Laketown Park, draw crowds from all corners of the area to enjoy live music, local food vendors, and spectacular fireworks over the lake. These gatherings are a testament to the enduring spirit of hospitality and togetherness that defines the neighborhood.
Several streets—such as Williams Boulevard, Vintage Drive, and Joe Yenni Boulevard—act as arteries linking Laketown to the rest of Kenner. Along these routes, one finds churches, schools, and small businesses, each contributing to the local tapestry of daily life.
Evolution Through the Decades
Laketown has never been static. The neighborhood’s landscape and demographics have evolved alongside Kenner’s own transformation:
- In the 1970s and 1980s, as Kenner grew rapidly, residential developments and the expansion of Williams Boulevard positioned Laketown as a place of promise for families seeking suburban tranquility with lakeside flair.
- The 1990s and 2000s saw a boom in public investment, with Laketown Park and the Pontchartrain Center giving the area new prominence.
- Today, Laketown continues to adapt, with ongoing projects dedicated to shoreline restoration, improved amenities, and expanded entertainment options. The preservation of natural habitats and efforts to combat coastal erosion are now top priorities for local groups.
Notable Institutions and the Future
Laketown is home to several important institutions. The Rivertown historic district, just a short drive away down Williams Boulevard, connects Laketown’s story to Kenner’s broader heritage as the first place in the New World where Europeans met with Native Americans.
Nearby parks such as the Muss Bertolino Playground and the Kenner Planetarium offer additional destinations for families and visitors. Area schools, including Greenlawn Terrace Elementary and Gabriel’s Catholic Church, anchor the community with educational and spiritual life.
As Laketown looks to the future, the community remains united in its devotion to its environment and its people. Continued revitalization of the levee and lakeshore, as well as new investments in sustainable recreation and infrastructure, promise to keep Laketown a crown jewel for Kenner for generations to come.
A Lakeside Gem Worth Celebrating
The Laketown neighborhood is not just a place—it’s a heritage, a gathering point, and a way of life. Whether you’re strolling along the lakeshore at sunrise, catching a local festival in the park, or simply driving down Williams Boulevard beneath a canopy of oaks, you’ll sense the special rhythm of life here. As Kenner grows and changes, Laketown endures—ever vibrant, ever welcoming, and always proud of its lakeside legacy.