Holy Cross Neighborhood Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Delery Playground
Twenty five years ago, an empty, unused lot on Alhambra Street in the Holy Cross neighborhood was transformed into a wooden playground for families and children longing for a nearby place they could use for fun and recreation.
On Saturday, March 19, local and state leaders joined community members to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Delery Playground and to honor those who played a part in its founding, including to including National Urban League President & CEO Marc H. Morial, who was mayor of the city when the playground was created.
“Playgrounds are essential safe spaces where children can be themselves and express their fun-loving nature while developing crucial cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills,” Morial said. “During my time in office as Mayor of the City of New Orleans, we understood the necessity of recreation for our youth and we put our money where our mouth was…we allocated funds for the Delery Street Playground in the Lower 9th Ward and others.”
“Marc H. Morial deserves much of the credit for the establishment of the Delery Street Playground,” said Vicki Judice, co-coordinator of the celebration. “His leadership paved the way to create the playground in 1996. He has always believed in the power of neighborhood community organizing, the value of recreation for youth, and the relevance and beauty of the Lower 9th Ward. His light continues to shine in New Orleans.”
Building the playground 25 years ago was a true community effort involving volunteers and fundraisers. And that same spirit was evident earlier this month as volunteers gave the playground a face lift in anticipation of the March 19 celebration, which included food, face-painting and other activities.
In addition to Morial, other attendees included Judge Ellen Hazeur, state Sen. Joe Bouie, state Rep. Candace Newell, NORDC Director Larry Barabino Jr., civil rights leaders Leona Tate and former judge Arthur Hunter took were among those who took in the event.
Wednesday at the Square Returns for 15th Season
The Young Leadership Council (YLC) of New Orleans recently announced the return of “Wednesday at the Square” presented by AOS Interior Environments. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the first event of the Spring 2022 series will be Wednesday, March 16.
Wednesday at the Square is a 10-week, free concert series in Lafayette Square benefitting the YLC and its community endeavors. The event draws crowds from downtown New Orleans and beyond every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. between March and May.
“Thank you to the City of New Orleans, our sponsors and our community partners for allowing us to bring back this great event,” said Graham Williams, Wednesday at the Square Co-Chair and YLC Board Member. “The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected all of us, but especially our local artists, restaurants, and entrepreneurs. This event would not be possible without their participation, and I am greatly looking forward to seeing Lafayette Square vibrant and full of life once again.”
Headlining and kicking off the series this month will be Anders Osborne with Dave Jordan and the NIA, Marc Broussard with Little Freddie King, and Mia Borders with the Quickening.
April’s lineup features the Lost Bayou Ramblers with Daria and the Hipdrops, Partners-n-Crime and the Big Easy Bounce Band with Robin Barnes, Flow Tribe with N.O.B.A.B.E., and Tab Benoit with the New Orleans Johnny’s.
Closing out the series in May will be Shamarr Allen with Margie Perez, Andrew Duhon with Alexis and the Samurai, and Big Sam’s Funky Nation with Erica Falls.
YLC Wednesday at the Square’s diverse local music acts, food and beverage offerings and variety of vendors show residents and tourists alike what it means to love New Orleans. Over 30 vendors will be featured throughout the 2022 series in the Louisiana Fish Fry-sponsored Food Hall and Artist Village. Food and art vendors include Bub’s NOLA, Crepes a la Cart, Fresh Fruit Sensations L.L.C, Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls, NOLA Crawfish King Seafood & BBQ, YAYA, Valois Designs, NOLA Fabiola, 1 of 1 Blazers, and BayouSoapCo.
Serving as the city’s leader in culture and tourism, New Orleans & Company is the official 2022 VIP Sponsor for this year’s series. YLC also offers a special sponsorship package for companies looking to engage with the audience and align their brand with Wednesday at the Square. Sponsorship packages are available now on ylcwats.com.