New Orleans gets 1st splash pad, new West Bank pool
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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.
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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.