Facility Overview
The Oakwood Center - Dollar Tree parking facility is a spacious, open-air surface parking lot situated at 197 Westbank Expressway in Terrytown, Louisiana, directly serving the commercial plaza and perimeter retail of Oakwood Center mall. Located in Jefferson Parish on the New Orleans Westbank, this expansive parking field features generous drive aisles and standard perpendicular parking bays designed for smooth two-way circulation. Because the facility is completely uncovered and open-air, there are no overhead ceiling restrictions, making it exceptionally accommodating for high-roof work vans, lifted pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and commercial passenger vans that cannot clear standard parking garage clearances.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Positioned along the vibrant Westbank retail corridor, this parking area offers immediate, steps-away access to premier shopping and dining destinations:
- Oakwood Center: Just steps away, this premier regional mall features major retailers such as Dillard\'s, JCPenney, and Dick\'s Sporting Goods, along with specialty apparel and electronics boutiques.
- Local Dining & Quick Eats: Directly surrounding the lot are numerous popular dining options, including national favorites, local seafood spots, and casual eateries along Terry Parkway and the Westbank Expressway.
- Historic Gretna: Located less than 2 miles to the west (approx. 5 minutes by car), visitors can explore Gretna\'s historic downtown, the German-American Cultural Center, and the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts.
- Downtown New Orleans & French Quarter: Situated just across the Crescent City Connection (US-90 Business), the Caesars Superdome, Smoothie King Center, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and the French Quarter are only a 10-to-15-minute drive away (approx. 5 to 6 miles), making this a convenient Westbank staging and retail stop.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Navigating to and from the facility is remarkably convenient. The property boasts multiple wide curb cuts with direct access off the Westbank Expressway service road and secondary access via Terry Parkway and Wright Avenue. Drivers traveling from downtown New Orleans or Algiers can take US-90 Business West directly to the Terry Parkway exit. For public transportation users, Jefferson Transit (JeT) and New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operate bus routes connecting Terrytown and Gretna to the New Orleans Central Business District, with transit stops situated within a short walking distance along the corridor.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Expansive Open-Air Surface Parking: Ample parking spaces with clear lane striping and spacious maneuvering lanes.
- Unrestricted Overhead Clearance: No height barriers or garage decks, ideal for oversized vehicles and tall utility trucks.
- Designated Accessible Spaces: Marked ADA-compliant parking stalls located near store front entrances with curb ramps for wheelchair access.
- Commercial Lighting: High-mast exterior illumination providing visibility during evening and night hours.
- Customer Parking: Designated free parking for patrons shopping at Dollar Tree and adjacent retail outlets.
Ideal For
- Everyday Value Shoppers: Patrons visiting Dollar Tree, Oakwood Center, and nearby big-box retail stores.
- Pickup & Service Drivers: Drivers operating large pickups, commercial work vans, and dual-axle vehicles needing open clearance.
- Local Commuters & Errand Runners: Visitors handling appointments, dining, and daily errands across Terrytown and Gretna.
- Westbank Visitors: Travelers seeking convenient suburban parking with quick highway access to Greater New Orleans attractions.
Visitor & Driver Tips
While spaces directly outside the storefront can fill quickly during peak retail hours on weekend afternoons and holidays, extensive overflow parking is readily available slightly further back toward the Oakwood Center perimeter. When entering or exiting during rush hours (especially between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM), exercise caution on the Westbank Expressway frontage road as traffic speeds can vary. Always ensure vehicles are securely locked with all valuables placed out of sight to ensure a worry-free visit.