The Urban Oasis that is Audubon Park

For over a century, Audubon Park has been a place to enjoy nature in Uptown New Orleans.

Hyams "Children Fountain" was built with a bequest in 1914 and opened in 1921.

Kids and dogs still cool off during the hot summers in the wading pool.

Sara Lavinia Hyams

 Besides leaving her considerable collection of paintings to the New Orleans Museum of Art, she bequeathed her personal jewelry collection -- valued at $30,000 in 1914 dollars, or more than half a million dollars today -- to be sold to erect two fountains, one in City park, one in Audubon. "Given to the little children of New Orleans," the fountains are inscribed.

This is truly a hidden gem that many people do not seem to know about since it's backed up against the zoo fence.

The Hurst Street Bridge leading from the jogging path to the golf course, built in 1941.

There are four gazebos in Audubon Park, which have been places of rest and reflection for generations of visitors. They were designed by the Olmsted Brothers Firm over 100 years ago.

The ring road around the park was closed to automobile traffic at the start of the 1980s and became a popular 1.7-mile walking, jogging and biking route.

The (Isidore) Newman Bandstand, built in 1921, is a commanding location at the edge of the park lagoon.