NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) Commission today announced its inaugural Alumni Picnic as part of a year-long celebration commemorating NORD’s 75th anniversary. Last year, the agency announced its plans to celebrate 75 years during the celebration of the name change from Behrman Park to Morris FX Jeff Sr. Park. The alumni picnic will be held from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, July 23 at Joe W. Brown Park, 5601 Read Blvd. The picnic is an opportunity for past and present participants, volunteers, employees and supporters to come out and celebrate NORD’s impact on community and recreation in the city of New Orleans.
The picnic features competitive games and relays, bounce houses, live performances, food trucks, outdoor programming and a live activation hosted by the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. Confirmed performers include The NORD Senior Choir, DJ Jubilee, Partners and Crime, T-Ray The Violinist, Assata Renay and 7th Ward Shorty. Food vendors include FedNFull Foodtruck, BBBC Cooking and JB’s Softee Treats. Picnics, grills, blankets, chairs and 10×10 tents are also welcome. The event is sponsored by Wright Gray Trial Lawyers and is free to the public.
“Wright & Gray is honored to partner with NORD for its 75th Year Celebration and Inaugural Alumni Picnic,” said Wright & Gray Partner Eric A. Wright. “NORD has been a vital program for the youth of the city of New Orleans for nearly a century. We look forward to celebrating this year and in the years to come with those who have contributed to NORD’s success.”
Other 75th anniversary events include the second annual NORD Race of Champions and Wrap Soiree, all of which will take place throughout the year and are open to the public. Proceeds from NORD’s anniversary events go directly to the NORD Foundation, benefiting NORD programming. NORD also launched a website, www.nordc.org/75thanniversarywhere residents can sign up for newsletter updates, shop the 75th anniversary memorabilia collection, park and playground t-shirts and view a photo journey of NORTH from 1947 to the present.
“NORD’s evolution over 75 years from a recreational outlet to now also being an essential arm of the city in post-disaster and pandemic recovery is exceptional. It contributes to our vision of being a sustainable and innovative organization that transforms lives”. said Larry Barabino, Jr., CEO of NORD. “I look forward to our residents taking part in all the activities that NORD is organizing to mark 75 years, and I can’t wait to see what the next 75 years will bring.”
The City of New Orleans created NORD through City Ordinance no. 16,630 on September 27, 1946, which became effective on January 1, 1947. NORD has served as a space for community and youth programming and recreation activities. NORD currently operates more than 150 playgrounds, 17 swimming pools, 12 recreation centers, two tennis centers, five youth centers and five stadiums. NORD continues to offer programs that include musical arts, visual arts, dance, athletics, summer camps for youth and teens, and programming for seniors.
For more information on NORD’s 75th Anniversary events or NORD’s schedule, visit www.nordc.org or contact (504) 658-3052.
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