Independence Square, Also known as St. Roch Playground, St. Roch Park, and the Harold Sampson Jr. St. Roch Playground, opened on June 26, 1910 and is the third oldest playground in the city. It is situated in the center of the St. Roch neighborhood adjacent to the St. Roch Cemetery and the Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and School. Children and adults have long enjoyed this space in the city for exercise and play.

Historic images of Independence Square.
(click to view larger)


Indepence Square, like the St. Roch Market on the opposite end, serves as a bookend to the St. Roch Ave. neutral ground. It plays an important role in the neighborhood as a play area for children, a social space, and for exercise and sports. Before Katrina, however, residents have expressed that Independence Square had fallen into disrepair with reported drug activity.

After Katrina, the square served as much needed relief space for displaced families living in FEMA-provided trailers. We are coordinating our efforts with the city and our project partners so that as Independence Square becomes a public space again, it is reborn as a safe, fun, and healthy environment for families to play, exercise, and socialize. Along with the St. Roch Market and the neutral ground, the new Independence Square will be a vibrant and essential component of the St. Roch community.

Top photo © Beverly Wooding
under the Creative Commons Share Alike license.