STATE OF NORD
NORD 2009 & Beyond

Hundreds of kids and parents attended the second State of NORD community event at the St. Bernard Center. The event theme, The Re-Building of NORD: Quality Cultural, Recreational and Educational Experiences for Youth and Families showcased the talents of NORD participants and updated the community on the recovery on NORD facilities and additional programs returning this fall. The event featured performances by a student vocalist, the NORD Marching Band, Dillard University and NORD Cheerleaders, and the St. Bernard Senior Citizens group. The Vietnamese American Youth Leadership Organization sponsored a performance by its hip hop dance group. The department also acknowledged a host of local and national volunteers that assisted in the recovery of NORD facilities.

"NORD is open for business," said Larry Barabino, Jr., director of NORD. "We have restored 84 active and passive playgrounds and play spots, 10 swimming pools, 4 multi purpose centers, 5 stadiums and one theatre. We've reopened a NORD facility, park or playground within 1 mile or less from each neighborhood, and tonight is a testament of the hard work and dedication of this amazing staff, and determined kids."