NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission and partners will host a free and inclusive community event and Juneteenth celebration. The event is called Park & Play and will be held in Pontchartrain Park on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It promises to be a high-energy day of sports, culture, and connection while honoring the spirit of Juneteenth and the vibrant legacy of the Gentilly community.
Park & Play offers a fun-filled lineup of activities for all ages and abilities, including:
- Flag Football
- Tennis and Basketball by NORD Commission
- Pickleball Clinics with The Exchange Pickleball & Bar
- Live music, storytelling, and line dancing
- Performances by Dancing Grounds, Culu & N’Kafu’ Traditional African Dance Company, and Girls Play Trumpets Too
- A special Juneteenth honoring by Dr. Clyde Robertson, SUNO Center for African and African American Studies
- Free books and literacy games
- Food truck vendors, free snoballs, and giveaways
- Bounce house, sensory-friendly relaxation zones
- Parkour Obstacle Course, karate, and board-breaking facilitated by Move! Best Kids!
- A resource fair offering health screenings, summer opportunities, and community information
There will be a Juneteenth tribute featuring storytelling, music, dance, and educational programming that celebrates African American freedom, culture, and resilience. The event also highlights emerging community leaders, artists, and local entrepreneurs, emphasizing unity, equity, and civic pride.
Park & Play is made possible through the generous support of NORD Commission’s 2025 sponsors: Neighborhood Engagement Office, New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, Godbey Giardina Law Group, Bethany United Methodist Church, City Council District D, Matthew Willard for City Council At-Large, Freestanding Communities, Gentilly Fest, NOCOA, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Rouses, and DJ Sugarcookie, who will bring the beats and energy throughout the day.
Rooted in the historic Pontchartrain Park neighborhood, Park & Play was developed as a capstone project in the Parent Leadership Training Institute and has grown into a signature event that brings neighbors together through celebration, movement, and meaningful connection.
Everyone is welcome to come out and have a great time.