The Live Oak Ladybug coaster at New Orleans City Park hasn’t operated since 2011 after Hurricane Katrina-related damage forced the family coaster’s closure. Now, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has agreed to pay $1.4 million to replace the only recently operating roller coaster in New Orleans.
The coaster originally reopened in December of 2006. According to this Nola.com article, “salt water invaded the metal pipes of the Lady Bug’s superstructure—a problem that came to light only after the refurbished roller coaster was returned to service.”
The coaster’s original manufacturer, Zierer,will create a custom replacement coaster which will be larger, faster and longer. The original Live Oak Ladybug was just over 650 feet long. It stood almost 20 feet tall and featured a top speed of 20 mph.
The park is looking for sponsors for the 10 coaster cars which will hold two riders each. Funds raised through sponsorship will be used to cover the new coaster’s maintenance costs.
Below, watch a video from March 2007 that shows Live Oak Ladybug operating post-Hurricane Katrina.
Visit New Orleans City Park’s website to learn more about the other rides that are still operating. It looks like a cool little park for the family.
What are your thoughts about FEMA funding the rebuilding of this coaster? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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