KEY TAKEAWAYS: NORD completed more than $500,000 in improvements to Victory Track. The project added a new track surface at Joe W. Brown Memorial Park. The facility serves NORD programs, school athletic teams and area residents. State funding for the project was secured by Jason Hughes while h e served in the Louisiana House.   The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission has completed more than $500,000 in improvements to the Joe W. Brown Victory Track, restoring a heavily used recreation facility serving athletes, schools and residents in New Orleans East. NORD marked the project’s completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Joe W. Brown Memorial Park. The project included installation of a new track surface to address wear from years of regular use and extend the facility’s lifespan. The track is used by NORD athletic programs, local middle and high school teams and residents for training, competitions and exercise. Funding for the project was secured by Jason Hughes while he served in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Hughes, who now represents District E on the New Orleans City Council, said he secured more than $500,000 in state funding for the improvements. “Our young people deserve quality spaces to train, compete and stay active,” Hughes said. “This newly resurfaced track at Joe Brown Park is an investment in our youth and in the health and quality of life of residents of all ages, from District E and across New Orleans.” NORD Interim CEO Natasha Robinson said maintaining existing recreation facilities is important because of the number of community organizations and residents who rely on them. “NORD facilities belong to the communities we serve, and the Victory Track is a great example of a space that is used every day by young athletes, school teams and residents who simply want a safe place to walk, run and stay active,” Robinson said. Mayor Helena Moreno said the track project is part of the city’s investment in parks and recreation facilities. “Joe Brown is the cornerstone of the community, and this track gives our young people another place to chase their goals, stay healthy and reach their full potential,” Moreno said. Victory Track is located within Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, one of NORD’s major recreation sites in New Orleans East. The park offers athletics, aquatics, fitness activities and youth programming. NORD said the resurfacing is part of its broader effort to maintain and improve recreation facilities across New Orleans. ...read more read less