Lawrence Park Downtown Morgan City, LA

Tucked into the heart of Morgan City’s Historic District and bounded by Second, Third, Everett, and Freret Streets, Lawrence Park is the city’s beloved gathering place, a full city block of mature shade trees, walking paths, and quiet benches just steps from the Atchafalaya River. With something to offer every age, it’s equal parts playground, picnic spot, photo destination, and festival grounds.

At the center of it all stands the park’s iconic gazebo, designed and built by local architect P.B. Ghirardi in 1913 and still the crown of the grounds today. Nearby, a memorial fountain rises from a landscaped mound, originally dedicated in 1916 and rebuilt in 1976 to commemorate America’s Bicentennial. Together they make Lawrence Park one of the most photographed spots in Morgan City, a favorite backdrop for wedding parties, family portraits, homecoming and prom pictures and Mardi Gras photos.

Families will find plenty to keep the kids busy. Modern playground equipment includes swings, slides, climbing structures, and play features sized for younger children, all set on safe, soft turf that’s easy on little knees and elbows. Wide open green space surrounds the play area, giving children room to run, toss a ball, or spread out a blanket while parents relax on benches in the shade. Walking paths wind through the park, making it an easy stop for a morning stroll, an after-school visit, or a quiet lunch break downtown.

Lawrence Park is also the proud host site of the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival, one of Louisiana’s oldest and most celebrated state festivals, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Morgan City each Labor Day weekend. Throughout the year, the park comes alive with the community’s signature events, including the Lighting of the Oaks during the Christmas Festival, Mardi Gras parades and celebrations, high school homecoming festivities, and countless concerts, ceremonies, and gatherings staged from the historic gazebo.

The park was donated to the city in 1876 by Mrs. Frances Brashear Lawrence, with the condition that it forever remain a public space for the people of Morgan City. A century and a half later, that promise still holds, Lawrence Park remains open to all, free to enjoy, and woven into the daily life of the community.

Whether you’re bringing the kids to play, meeting friends for a picnic, snapping a photo at the gazebo, or joining the crowd for one of Morgan City’s biggest festivals, Lawrence Park welcomes everyone to the historic heart of the city.

Discover the rich history of Lawrence Park in 150 Years of Lawrence Park, part of the Stories of Morgan City series by the Morgan City Archives. Download the PDF to read the full story.