FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 4, 2025

ICYMI: Hardin Park Baseball Diamond to be Restored by NORD & Tree Planting Celebration Held with NFL, Tyrann Mathieu, and Community Partners

New Orleans, LA (February 1, 2025) – The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), in partnership with NFL Green, the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, and several dedicated organizations, hosted a kickoff event at the historic Hardin Park. In addition to restoring the park’s baseball diamond, this collaborative effort will enhance the natural beauty through tree planting, neighborhood clean-up, and meaningful community engagement.

We extend a special thank you to Dr. Angela Chalk of Healthy Community Services for her invaluable leadership in organizing this initiative. Her dedication to environmental sustainability and community well-being was instrumental in coordinating the tree-planting efforts, ensuring a lasting impact on both the local ecosystem and the residents who call this neighborhood home.

The celebration began with a spectacular entrance by the world-renowned St. Augustine Marching 100, whose powerful performance energized the crowd and set the tone for a day of unity, restoration, and community pride.

Tyrann Mathieu Leads Community in Transformative Park Revitalization

A standout moment of the day was the inspiring ceremonial tree planting led by New Orleans Saints star Tyrann Mathieu. With a deep-rooted connection to his hometown, Mathieu joined community members in a powerful display of teamwork and commitment. Mathieu planted the first ceremonial tree along with community partners, signifying a new chapter for Hardin Park.

The community’s passion was on full display as volunteers of all ages planted dozens of lush shade trees near the playground and along the park’s perimeter. These trees will not only beautify the space, but also provide essential cooling and shade for families to enjoy for years to come.

Beyond tree planting, volunteers also participated in a dedicated neighborhood clean-up initiative, beginning the process of restoring Hardin Park to its full potential as a cherished community gathering space.

In addition to environmental improvements, the American Red Cross was on-site, offering local residents the opportunity to sign up for free smoke alarms, further reinforcing its commitment to community safety and well-being.

A Lasting Legacy Through the Super Bowl LIX Greening Project

The Hardin Park event was part of the Super Bowl LIX Greening Project, a collaborative effort led by NFL Green, the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, Councilman Eugene Green’s Office, the New Orleans Saints, the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways, NORD, Verizon, Entergy, DOW Chemical, and Venture Global. Their joint efforts have left a profound environmental and social impact on Hardin Park and its surrounding neighborhood, ensuring the space remains a beacon of community pride.

“We were honored to be part of this incredible initiative to bring Hardin Park back to life,” said Director Daniel Shanks. “This project is about so much more than just baseball—it’s about fostering sustainability, strengthening community ties, and creating a space where families can gather, play, and thrive for generations to come.”

The Hardin Park revitalization and rededication event welcomed community members from all walks of life to take part in this transformative effort. The day’s celebration honored history, enhanced local green spaces, and demonstrated the power of collaboration in creating lasting, positive change.

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