APRIL 2026 HIGHLIGHTS
Hello Friends of NORD and Happy Easter,
Thank you for subscribing to NORD’s digital newsletter. In this issue, you will find more information about various programs and events for the month of April! This month we look forward to hosting several new events, as well as community favorite's including our Summer Camp Registration Event, Guitar Lessons, NORD to NEXT LEVEL, NORD Outdoors Recaps, Lifeguard Hiring, Spring Swimming Lessons, Joe W. Brown Tennis, Nature Photo Contest, Swim Team, Kid Cafe Program, employment & volunteer opportunities and more. I hope you join us for one or more of these scheduled programs or events to experience all NORD has to offer.
Thank you for your continued support!
Larry
To subscribe to our newsletter, click HERE.
 
 NORD’s brand new website is now live. After nearly a year of planning and development, the new NORDC.org features a fresh look, easier navigation, and a better way for New Orleanians to see what’s happening across recreation centers citywide.
For the first time, residents can also register for NORD programs online. Simply create an account, browse programs, and sign up in just a few clicks.
To register online, participants must have a NORD RecTrac card. If you don’t already have one, you can get a card by visiting your local recreation center. If you already have a RecTrac card, please stop by your recreation center to make sure your contact information, including your email address, is up to date.
Visit NORDC.org to explore the new site and find programs near you.
 Greatness often starts on neighborhood fields. At NORD, young athletes build the skills and confidence that carry them far beyond youth sports. Two standout examples are Vashaun Coulon and John Johnson, who both began their journeys in NORD programs and have grown into two of the most accomplished high school football players in the state.
Vashaun “Tig” Coulon, a quarterback at St. Augustine High School, was recently named New Orleans Area Prep Football Player of the Year after an outstanding senior season. Coulon accounted for 50 total touchdowns, throwing for 3,165 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding 658 rushing yards and 10 scores. The former Willie Hall Panthers standout also earned 1st Team All-District, District Co-MVP, 2nd Team All-State, and was a 7-time Manning Award winner and 5-time NOLA Player of the Week. He will continue his football career at Southern University next fall.
Another NORD alum making national headlines is John Johnson, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback from Edna Karr High School. While playing in NORD, Johnson suited up for Behrman Green Machine. Known as “Hollywood,” he has passed for more than 8,500 yards and 88 touchdowns and rushed for over 2,400 yards and 47 scores, totaling more than 11,000 yards and 135 touchdowns. As team captain, he helped lead Edna Karr to back-to-back Louisiana State Championships in 2024 and 2025, earning Championship Game MVP honors and guiding the team to a top 10 national ranking. Johnson will play quarterback at West Virginia University.
From youth leagues to national recognition, athletes like Coulon and Johnson show what is possible when talent meets opportunity. NORD is proud to have been part of their journeys and looks forward to cheering them on at the next level.
 RECAP: NORD Outdoors Family Campout, which took place March 20-21, gave several New Orleans families, friend groups and organizations an easy, welcoming way to enjoy a night under the stars.
Participants only needed to bring basic personal items. NORD handled everything else: tents, sleeping pads, food and activities.
The event featured a cookout, an event-wide marshmallow roast for s’mores, a night hike and storytelling by the fireside. This event was for all ages and experience levels! For those newer to camping, we hope they now have the confidence to take their family or friends on future camping trips!
 RECAP: MHSD’s Annual Recovery Walk and Fishing Rodeo brought the community together for a day of celebration, connection and support for those in recovery. Held at Joe W. Brown Park on March 21, the event featured a freshly stocked pond with channel catfish and a group walk along the park’s extensive walking path. Attendees enjoyed free food, live music, bounce houses and more than 20 local vendors offering resources.
Participants competed for prizes in the fishing rodeo and additional prizes were distributed via a raffle.
Hope Collons won first place for the fishing rodeo!
 
 Come volunteer with us! People volunteer for a variety of reasons. Volunteering offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to their community and also provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Scan our QR CODE to start your volunteer process, today! For more information and further questions visit nordc.org/volunteer.
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