City Park's 1,300 acres hold tremendous potential as an urban oasis.

And the park is finally getting the resources needed to maximize its potential. With $3 million from private foundations and government agencies, park officials are poised to begin the transformation of an expanse of concrete into a lush gathering spot for New Orleanians.

Thanks to nearly $3 million in private and federal grant dollars, City Park officials say they have the cash needed to start work on the Great Lawn, envisioned as a "commons" for New Orleans and the centerpiece of a transformed corridor to be built during the next several years.

City Park's master plan, scheduled to be completed by the city's 300th anniversary in 2018, calls for the swath of greenery to anchor what will be called Tricentennial Place. "We see it as a sort of focal point in the center of the park where people can congregate," said Bob Becker, the park's chief executive officer.

"It will be a place to meet, picnic or throw a Frisbee, smooch, hang out, read a book or sunbathe. All the kinds of things that people like to do in a big open area."