Bulletin for May 7, 2024

The Riverfront Project

Presented by Kyle Burks, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Audubon Nature Institute

Thanks to member George Messina for catering this week’s networking event at Rooftop on Basin.

Dr. Kyle Burks is the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Audubon Nature Institute. Kyle has been a zoo and aquarium professional for more than 30 years, first as an animal behavior researcher then later as an executive.  Kyle’s career has involved working at some of the country’s top facilities including Zoo Atlanta, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Denver Zoo, and Sacramento Zoo. Kyle oversees the operations of all of Audubon’s nine mission-based facilities  and public parks. Kyle is passionate about animal wellbeing and conservation and takes great pride in knowing he gets to work in a role that empowers others while serving the needs of animals and conservation. Kyle and his wife were married under Audubon Park’s beautiful oak trees and love living in New Orleans. In his spare time Kyle spends time exploring the beauty of the city, experiencing all of the unique food and culture it has to offer and traveling the world as much as possible.

Kyle Burks shared Audubon’s plans for the Riverfront. Kyle gave a very detailed presentation with plans to revamp the Riverfront starting at and ending at. There will be plenty of green space, playgrounds, room for a few food trucks, a stage, concession stands. There will also be some covered areas that may host pickleball, exercise classes, or various other events. Audubon will be keeping some of the original Wharf building  to keep some of the historical aspects but removing some walls to make it more open and spacious.