NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by New Orleans City Councilmember Oliver Thomas of District E, New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission Chief Executive Officer Larry Barabino Jr., NORD Commission Board Chairman Theo Sanders, and Project Manager for the Capital Projects Administration Jennifer Lilos for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Village de L’Est Multi-Purpose Building in New Orleans East. Community leaders from the Village de L’Est and Edgelake Neighborhood Associations and the East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Commission also attended the event.
“I want to thank the public for approving the $500 million bond sale in 2019 for the City of New Orleans to be able to complete projects like this by filling gaps so that we can turn corners and pivot to greater improvements throughout our city,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This is truly a testament to the great work of the leadership and staff of NORD and the vibrancy of a community that has demonstrated its resiliency time and time and time again. The Village de L’Est community will be stronger and better than ever before.”
This $1.4 million bond-funded project includes the completed construction of a new 1,758 square-foot clubhouse and the installation of new playground equipment. The facility features a large, multi-purpose room, a concessions area that services indoor and outdoor patrons, pantry space and an office. The building also includes an energy efficient HVAC system and LED lighting systems and is designed to meet City stormwater management requirements.
“I am thrilled to cut a ribbon opening the new Village de L’Est Playground Clubhouse,” said Barabino. “NORD looks forward to working along with the community to program the playground and host year-round sports activities for residents of all ages.”
“NORD parks and playgrounds are essential in providing healthy recreation and social engagement for residents of all ages,” said Sanders. “Village De L’Est community members will benefit from the state-of-the-art, energy-efficient clubhouse and new playground equipment. The NORD Commission would like to send a special invitation to surrounding community members to come out and spend a day at the park and enjoy its new amenities.”
The Village de L’Est clubhouse and playground are the newest additions to NORD’s portfolio in New Orleans East, alongside the Joe W. Brown Recreational Center, which houses a public swimming pool that is expected to open for residents this summer. NORD operates a total of eight parks and playgrounds in New Orleans East, including the East Shore, Kerry Curley, Goretti, Pradat, Digby and Kenilworth playgrounds.
“I am excited to celebrate a major development and renovation project that has upgraded some of the existing amenities while providing a new building in an area that needed it the most,” said Thomas. “This ribbon cutting for the Village de L’Est Playground Multi-Purpose Building is a huge victory for District E. We are in a time when our children need safe places to go and things to do. This park will be a gem for the community.”
Upcoming NORD capital projects located in New Orleans East include the Village de L’Est Splash Pad, Richard Lee Playground improvements and the revitalization of the Pecan Grove Recreation Center.
The Cantrell Administration has made the revitalization of New Orleans East a priority, identifying economic opportunities to bring to the community and improving critical infrastructure. This includes the completion of 37 roadwork projects valued at $167 million since May 2018. Additionally, there are currently eight roadwork projects in construction valued at $74 million and another three projects valued at $13 million in the bid and award phases.
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