Latest news with #NewOrleansRecreationDevelopmentCommission
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
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
City Council to mark 10 years of New Orleans smoking ban
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — It's hard to believe that it has been 10 years since smoking was banned in bars and casinos in New Orleans. We take a look at the effects of the smoking ban and work left to do to make us healthier. Smoking was still allowed in bars and casinos until January of 2015 when then mayor Mitch Landrieu signed the NOLA Smoke-Free Ordinance, making us a healthier New Orleans. Head of New Orleans Recreation Development Commission speaks on conditions of recreation facilities 'It basically required what is called a 'comprehensive smoke free policy.' Comprehensive means that it closes that loophole in the state law to cover bars, casinos, music venues and other things that would be covered under that,' said Regional Manager of Tobacco Free Louisiana New Orleans region Bradley Wellons. According to recently released data from the New Orleans Health Department, 75% of residents report life in the city is better because of the Smoke Free Air Act. Wellons said many of our treasured musicians were on the front lines fighting for their health and that of patrons as well. 'They were one of the driving forces behind getting this passed Craig Klein, Deacon John,' said Wellons. While the City Council will honor this 10 year milestone Thursday, April 17, Wellons says there is still work to be done, especially among young people with vaping. Chilling video shows underground tunnel of abandoned Charity Hospital 'It's the biggest one we're seeing. That along with what we call alternative tobacco products and flavors. The new nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, would be one of the ones that most people would have heard about. Those are the tobacco products are actually increasing in use,' said Wellons. Resources on helping you quit and health screenings are available at the Tobacco Free Living group names Mississippi River 'most endangered,' cites proposed FEMA cuts City Council to mark 10 years of New Orleans smoking ban Pelicans name Joe Dumars Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Boasberg moves to hold Trump administration in contempt over deportation flights GOP's legal threats sink Democrats' billboard attacks over Medicaid Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
