NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by Chief Executive Officer of the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission Larry Barabino, Jr., former Representative Neil Abramson and other City leaders to celebrate the completion of the George Washington Carver Playground Improvement Project located Uptown. The project cost was $770,000.
“This project is for the members of this community, and we’re excited to deliver, once again, for the residents of the City of New Orleans.” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “NORD has something for everyone, and this is a testament to how we are meeting our people where they are. Upgrades to this playground and concession building will provide our youth with a fun and safe environment to keep them engaged and productive because we know that pools, parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers play a vital role in public safety as a matter of public health. The City of New Orleans will continue to invest in, and uplift programs offered by NORD because It’s apart of the fabric of this city and how we respond to the needs of our community.”
The project includes upgrades and renovations to the playground’s existing concessions building, kitchen facilities, and restrooms brought to DHH and ADA code standards, to support NORD programming. Additionally, the existing play equipment was replaced with an expanded playground and interactive play equipment, and padded turf surfacing. Additional safety and accessibility upgrades include decorative steel fencing at the Prytania entrance, new walkways and a netted separation between the basketball court and playground areas. Finally, all existing benches and landscaping have been restored and upgraded to make the park an inviting space for all members of the community.
“I am excited to be here to celebrate the completion of this phase of the project,” said Capital Projects Administration Manager Jennifer Lilos. “This playground has been completely redone and expanded from the former playground to something that’s impressive and innovative, and frankly not like any playground you’ll see in the city.”
“Teamwork makes the dream work, but it also takes a village to get the job done. What you see standing here is the village,” said Barabino. “I am excited as the CEO of the NORD Commision to reopen this facility. I want to thank former Representative Neil Abramson for providing the initial funding to move forward with this project. I also want to thank State Representative Aimee Freeman for continuing the work and pushing through legislation to ensure that we have funding to make sure phase II is done.”
The first phase of improvements was funded by State Capital Outlay dollars with the support of State Representative Freeman and former State Representative Abramson, in addition to City Bond funds.
“It’s been a passion of mine to get the playground, field and basketball court back up and running,” said Abramson. “It’s taken baby steps, but it’s fantastic and so it was a passion of mine to try to help the State, help the City. The State bargaining with the City has shown what can happen. Madam Mayor, thank you for your leadership and for making sure this happened.”
###