NEWS

December 18, 2007

Abita Restoration Ale Funds Revitalization of Park

The donation will create the Abita Brewing Company Restoration Plaza, an outdoor performance amphitheatre and underwrite the cost of a new playground in the park. “This wonderful donation from Abita Beer will help us move forward with our plans to create a multi-use park and trailhead at the center of town,” said Mayor Fitzmorris. “Earlier this year our signature pavilion was moved to a new location within the park and the historic Longbranch Building was relocated to this site as a museum,” continued Fitzmorris. “Townspeople and visitors have gathered in this spot since the 1880s. First for our famous spring water and more recently to enjoy the Tammany Trace ,” said the Mayor. “Hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed the pavilion and the park. We thank the Abita Brewing Company and look forward to these exciting additions to our town,” concluded the mayor.

Immediately following hurricanes Katrina and Rita the Abita Brewing Company created Abita Restoration Ale. Over a two-year period, sales of the beer and related merchandise raised over $500,000 for hurricane relief. The $115,000 donation to the town of Abita Springs comes from those funds raised by Abita Restoration Ale.

The Future of the Tourist Park and Trailhead

The Abita Springs Pavilion was originally built in New Orleans for the Cotton Centennial Exposition and was moved to Abita Springs in 1884. It was moved again this year and restored after it was heavily damaged by hurricane Katrina. A fountain representing the waters of Abita Springs will be constructed under the Pavilion in the new location.

The historic Longbranch Building was recently donated to the town and moved to the park. The structure will house the town’s museum and a ranger station. In mid-April of 2008 the Longbranch Museum will host the Smithsonian “New Harmonies” exhibit on Folk Music in America according to Museum Director Mary Davis.

The new Abita Brewing Company Restoration Plaza, Abita Beer Amphitheater and children’s playground are scheduled to be completed by April of 2008. An interactive fountain will also be completed by summer of 2008 according to Bryan Gowland, Project Manager.

Community Support For Abita Springs

The Town of Abita Springs gratefully recognizes the support and cooperation of St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis. Many companies and organizations have made contributions to the construction at the Tourist Park/Trailhead renewal project:

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Jack Strain, The Abita Lumber Company, SMI Concrete, LaFarge Concrete, Parish Concrete, Pine Grove Electric, Coburn Plumbing Supply, Mark Hosch and Sam Ethridge with Elegant Home Builders, Abita Pharmacy, architect David Spicuzza, architect Ron Blitch, Project Manager Bryan Gowland, Museum Director Mary Davis, members of the Park Committee and Friends of the Park.