Latest news with #FreddieKing
Axios
08-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
New Orleans gets 1st splash pad, new West Bank pool
All of New Orleans' public pools will be open for business this summer, the city's recreation department CEO says, though one will take a little bit longer than others. Why it matters: In a year that's already cooking, any way to cool off is going to offer a welcome relief in our hottest months. The latest: Top city officials celebrated the opening of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission's 18th pool Monday. The George V. Rainey Natatorium at Algiers' Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Park offers two firsts: the first indoor pool for New Orleans' West Bank, and the city's first public splash pad. What they're saying:"I grew up learning to swim in this pool" when it was still named Behrman Park, said Councilman Freddie King, whose district includes Algiers. "I remember coming to NORD summer camps in the mid-90s and ... I swear there were so many kids in here, the water would overflow." "That's how many children were here, and that's how much of a need for a pool there is." Zoom in: NORDC CEO Larry Barabino tells Axios New Orleans that 17 of the department's now 18 pools will be open by May 31. He's confident that lifeguard staffing, which has been a struggle in the past, won't be an issue this summer with funding in place again for 150 guards. "We have a huge influx of lifeguards coming in," Barabino says. "We're gonna be ready." Yes, but: NORDC's pool at A.L. Davis Park requires a major repair that, while also funded, will take extra time to complete. But "it will open this summer," Barabino says. What we're watching: Complaints have been rising that NORDC facilities aren't being well-maintained, which Barabino says is a result of post-Katrina underfunding. Barabino pointed to Saturday's election as an example, with Jefferson Parish voters approving a millage that'll contribute to a $35 million annual budget for its 70 or so facilities. In Orleans Parish, Barabino says, he has a budget of about $20 million to spend across 160 facilities. More recreation funding will have to come from the next mayoral administration, Barabino said, as well as from voters, who could approve a bond sale to that end in the election this fall. Go deeper
Axios
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
April Fools' Day parade rolls Tuesday
Krewe du Fools' annual April Fools' Day parade is back Tuesday evening in the Marigny in New Orleans. Why it matters: It's fun! Zoom in: The parade theme this year is "Dressed to the Nine, Let the Gold Shine" in honor of the krewe's 9th anniversary. Little Freddie King will serve as the 2025 grand marshal, too. Among the krewe's throws are hand-painted bricks of "fools' gold," The Times-Picayune reports. 🧜♀️ Fun fact: The same krewe is responsible for the annual NOLA Mermaid Parade. If you go: The parade rolls from the corner of Royal Street and Franklin Avenue at 7pm.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Orleans City Council passes ordinance expanding city inspector hiring pool
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — After three buildings partially collapsed recently, the New Orleans City Council decided it was time to be proactive. Councilman Freddie King led the charge by introducing an ordinance that was quickly passed, allowing the city to hire building inspectors who don't live in the city. 'This will allow those departments to get some help and get some things done in the city, and make the city much safer,' King said. It's for more than just preventing building collapses. King says city agencies like the Department of Code Enforcement can utilize the ordinance to hire outside inspectors for maintaining property standards in neighborhoods as well. Trader Joe's begins demolition for new store in Uptown New Orleans 'Like the house next to me is falling down, we need someone to come inspect it, or the yard next to me is too high; we need someone to come inspect it so it can come get cut,' King said. The ordinance is effective immediately with a two-year implementation period, allowing the city to assess its impact on hiring and enforcement before determining next steps. 'If we see it's working, we can reup it in two more years. If we see it not working, we can turn off the valve. This is just us thinking outside the box to help the city move a little more efficiently,' King women's basketball is excited to host opening rounds of the NAIA Tournament for the first time New Orleans City Council passes ordinance expanding city inspector hiring pool Zoning request for New Orleans East apartment complex fails Banchero scores 34 points and Magic build a 30-point halftime lead in a 113-93 rout of the Pelicans House Democrats bash Senate colleagues for backing GOP spending bill: 'Huge slap in the face' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
