FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2025

CRIME PREVENTION SPOTLIGHT

DA Williams, NORD, and The 18th Ward Announce the commencement of Organized Youth Sports at Historic Hardin Park in 7th Ward

Due to decades of disinvestment, this park and the surrounding area had become a hot-bed of criminal activity. A strategic coordinated effort was able to target and neutralize the criminal element and return this park back to hardworking law abiding residents. The revitalization of Hardin Park marks a major milestone in a months-long partnership between the DA’s Office, NORD, the 18th Ward, the New Orleans Police Department, City service agencies, and most importantly, neighborhood leaders who came together to breathe new life into an underused community space.

“Today is a powerful moment for this city, because we’re not just talking about crime, we are talking about crime prevention,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “Crime is like cancer. It is far better to prevent it than to have to go through treatments. This is about community restoration. About joy, opportunity, and hope in a neighborhood that has worked to survive without consistent investment or attention.”

Through the DA’s New Orleans Data-Informed Community Engagement (NODICE) initiative, Hardin Park was identified as a strategic site for intervention. Crime data and community feedback pointed to a cluster of conditions that had fostered opportunistic criminal activity: long-blighted properties, squatting, and the lack of positive youth opportunities.

In collaboration with city departments and community groups, a row of blighted homes adjacent to the park was demolished, and individuals living in unsafe conditions were connected to services. These actions cleared the way for the return of organized youth programming to a green space that had been dormant for years.

Beginning next week, youth baseball will return to Hardin Playground, with flag football and soccer programs launching in the fall. Additional seasonal activities are also in development.

“This isn’t just a win for public safety,” DA Williams added. “It’s a win for public health, for family well-being, and for generational change. It’s not enough to tell kids what not to do—it’s our job to give them positive things to do, and safe places to do them.”

“This particular park is a historic place. It was one of the first parks that African-Americans could participate, enjoy, have recreation, and also where there were programs. And it’s named after a very consequential individual in our city’s history. But I am pleased to be here with the partnership that is behind me and with the partnership that is here in this community,” said Councilman Eugene Green.

• Larry Barabino, Jr., CEO of NORD
• Lowrey Crews, Founder and CEO of The 18th Ward
• Councilman Eugene Green, District D
• OPDA Community Liaison Jessica Strange
• OPDA Director of Strategic Initiatives Daniel Shanks
• Dr. Angela M. Chalk, 7th Ward Resident and Healthy Community Services Founder
• Ryan Berger, 18th Ward Board Member
• Ferdinand Mercadel, longtime Hardin Park youth volunteer
• Thomas Moran, Jr., CEO of Good Shepherd School
• Neighborhood leaders and residents who have long championed the future of Hardin Park

“This is my playground. I grew up just four blocks down the street. I’ve been living in the East for almost 40 years, but I always come back to Hardin Park. I’ve been trying to help, but we’ve had a lot of challenges in the neighborhood, and for a long time, it felt like no one was doing their part. But at least now, we’re back—and I’m grateful for the support we’re getting. I’m going to keep doing my part,” said Mr. Ferdinand Mercadel.

“This partnership is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when we come together as a community,” said JP Morrell, New Orleans City Councilman. “Expanding youth programming at Hardin Playground not only revitalizes a cherished neighborhood space but also highlights the incredible impact of the Council’s Recreation & Culture Fund. As a recipient of this fund, The 18th Ward is bringing new, structured opportunities to our youth. This collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office and NORD underscores our shared commitment to providing safe, accessible spaces for young people to grow and thrive. I’m proud to see the 7th Ward leading the way, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these programs will have on our youth—both on the field and beyond.”

“Today is a good day for residents of the 7th Ward. Today, we reclaim a legacy recreational facility that residents deserve so that each young person can experience organized sports, build memories of one’s youth and learn how to work together as teammates. Studies have shown that green spaces and recreational activities improve the quality of life for residents of a community. Residents of the 7th Ward deserve to have amenities such as Hardin Park to provide these much needed services,” said Dr. Angela M. Chalk, Founder and Executive Director of Healthy Community Services, a 7th Ward based non-profit organization. Chalk is a 4th generation legacy resident of the 7th Ward.

The announcement today also acknowledged the deep cultural and historical significance of Hardin Park. Dr. McKenna, at a prior event, emphasized the park’s legacy as the first African-American park in New Orleans and a symbol of pride for the generations of educators, civil rights leaders, and community builders who have called the 7th Ward home.

“This is sacred ground,” said DA Williams. “And the families who live here deserve a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place for their children to grow, play, and thrive.”

Contact: OPDA Communications

Tel: 504.822.2414

Email: communications@orleansda.com