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Lincoln Beach and the Politics of Public Space

Why Lincoln Beach Matters

Before it closed in the 1960s, Lincoln Beach was an important place for the Black community in New Orleans. At a time when most public beaches were off-limits due to segregation, Lincoln Beach offered a rare space to enjoy the water, music, and time with family. Big names like Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, and Nat King Cole performed there, and it became a place full of life, joy, and pride.

For many, it wasn’t just a beach, it was a safe place. Reopening Lincoln Beach is about more than just building new things; it’s about honoring that history and giving it the care it deserves.

Photograph by Michael P. Smith, The Historic New Orleans Collection, Acc. No. 2007.0103.1.149

Public Spaces and Why They Matter

Lincoln Beach is also part of a bigger conversation: who gets access to public spaces, and why that matters. For Black communities in New Orleans and across the country, access to public space has long been shaped by segregation, disinvestment, and exclusion.

In this context, the revival of Lincoln Beach is not simply about building amenities, it is about repairing a public legacy. Parks, beaches, and community centers are more than just places to hang out, they reflect how cities treat their people. In the past, many Black communities were pushed out of these places or had them taken away. Restoring Lincoln Beach is a way of saying that everyone deserves beautiful, safe spaces to gather, especially in neighborhoods like New Orleans East that are often overlooked.

What’s the Plan for Lincoln Beach?

The city has big plans to bring Lincoln Beach back to life. Some of the ideas include:

  • A restaurant by the water

  • A boardwalk and fishing piers

  • A nature center

  • A skate park

The city is still asking people for their thoughts to make sure the beach meets the needs of the community.

Community Voices Matter

The city knows that the people of New Orleans should help shape what happens at Lincoln Beach. That’s why they’ve been holding community meetings to gather ideas. One recent meeting took place on April 14, 2025, at the New Orleans East Library to share information with local contractors who may be interesting in bidding on the Lincoln Beach RFP. 

At the meeting, Councilmember Oliver Thomas spoke to local business owners and encouraged them to get involved. He reminded everyone how important it is for small businesses to be part of this change. City leaders shared how small businesses can take part in the project and explained how to submit proposals to work on construction and other parts of the development. They also provided a table with information on how to use BRASS, which is needed to bid on city contracts. 

When Will the Beach Reopen?

The city originally hoped to reopen Lincoln Beach by summer 2025 but delays in funding and construction have pushed the date back to 2026. Some residents and community leaders are disappointed by the delay, but the project is still moving forward.

So far, the city has secured $24.6 million to get things started. More funding is expected soon, especially now that Lincoln Beach is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The city says it’s fully committed to reopening Lincoln Beach the right way with community input, strong local partnerships, and respect for the past. When it’s done, Lincoln Beach will be more than a place to swim and relax. It will be a symbol of history, healing, and hope for New Orleans East.

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