NORD Announces Progress on Park Improvements and Ongoing Efforts to Overcome Challenges

December 18, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

NORD Announces Progress on Park Improvements and Ongoing Efforts to Overcome Challenges

The New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission today issued the following statement regarding NORD facilities:

In response to recent concerns regarding the conditions of select NORD parks and facilities, we aim to provide updates on completed improvements, scheduled projects, and the challenges we have faced. While the article highlighting deficiencies at our facilities reflects some of our shortcomings, we want to assure you that NORD is actively working to address these issues and improve our parks and recreational spaces for the benefit of our community. Notably, all the projects outlined below were already in the works prior to the article's publication.

At Perry Roehm Baseball Stadium, we are undertaking major renovations that include refurbished restrooms, a new concession area, new LED lighting, a turfed infield, a laser-regraded outfield with improved drainage, updated batting cages, extended dugouts, a new scoreboard, and a maintenance storage shed. These upgrades are made possible in part by a partnership with St. Augustine High School through a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA), which will guarantee their baseball program access to the facility for practices and games. However, challenges at Perry Roehm have included the facility's age, vandalism, theft, and the revocation of project funding two years ago, which delayed progress. 

At Carver Playground, improvements are being addressed in two zones. Zone B, which includes the building and playground equipment, is 97% complete, with final steps involving out-of-scope plumbing repairs and electrical system work caused by a suspected lightning strike. Zone A, the athletic field, has faced funding challenges due to reallocations that delayed turf field installation. While graffiti and damaged fencing have also been issues, recent electrical problems have been resolved, and CPA has submitted funding applications to complete this project by the next legislative session. 

At Larry Gilbert Stadium and Cuccia Byrnes, we have entered a CEA with Xavier University to support renovations that will make the baseball field playable for girls' softball, high school baseball, and NORD leagues. Plans include new lighting, restroom and concession upgrades, press box improvements, and field preparation. Similarly, at Cuccia Byrnes, fencing and bleachers will be replaced, and lighting will be restored. Challenges here include extensive vandalism and wire theft. Recently, a homeless family was discovered living in one of the buildings, and NORD has been working with the appropriate agencies to address this situation compassionately. 

At Easton Playground, stormwater management improvements have been completed, including rain gardens, permeable pavers, and underground tanks for excess water. Plans for the renovated clubhouse include upgraded restrooms, fencing repairs, and the addition of a half basketball court. While this park has high usage, particularly for soccer, vandalism of restrooms and field wear remain challenges. 

Norman Playground has seen significant upgrades, including new playground equipment, restroom building refurbishment, and high mast light repairs. Through a grant from ESPN, the basketball court was refurbished in 2021, and NORD is planning a new basketball canopy. While these improvements have enhanced the playground's usability, the athletic field has developed ruts due to heavy equipment breaking an underground water line. Some high mast lights remain obstructed by vegetation, and NORD is coordinating with Parks and Parkways to address this. 

Finally, at St. Roch Playground, LED lighting and sail shade replacements have improved the space, with additional upgrades planned. While heavily used by NORD teams and residents, we are committed to ongoing maintenance to ensure this facility meets community needs. 

It is also important to address broader concerns raised in the article. Many of the programs offered at these facilities are operated by outside organizations. For example, while 18th Ward runs programs at our facilities and charges participants a nominal fee, they have no responsibilities for staffing, managing, or maintaining the properties. The lifeguard shortage during and after COVID-19 was a nationwide issue, not unique to NORD, and we have since addressed this with no similar challenges in 2024. Similarly, while delays in 2023 stipend distribution for youth teams were caused by joint challenges between NORD, Job1 Youth, and the City's Finance Department, those issues were resolved, and the process has improved significantly this year. While the article highlighted some of our deficiencies, this agency is aware of many of them. Our Master Plan, completed in January 2024, details these challenges that include continued maintenance on both old and new facilities, qualified staffing and retention, and funding to name a few. 

In 2024 alone, NORD engaged over 1,600 teens through Spring and Fall internships, summer camps, and the Teen Sports Challenge. Each participant earned up to $450, thanks to the support of the Cantrell Administration and the New Orleans City Council. Additionally, teens can participate year-round in our Teen Council, which offers leadership development and community engagement opportunities. To reach an even broader demographic, we recently opened two E-Sports labs, providing a space for teens interested in gaming and technology. We remain committed to expanding opportunities for our youth and always welcome partnership applications to help us further this mission.  

We are committed to addressing the remaining challenges, improving transparency, and ensuring that our parks and facilities serve as safe, well-maintained spaces for community development. Your continued support and partnership are vital as we work to complete key NORD projects and provide the resources our city deserves. 

Larry Barabino, Jr.

NORD Chief Executive Officer

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