New Orleans Playground Supervisor's Suspension Reduced After Appeal

Civil Service Commission finds 42-day suspension too harsh for neglecting maintenance issues

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:00am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken playground swing chain against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the neglect of New Orleans' public playgrounds.A close-up of neglected playground equipment highlights the maintenance challenges facing New Orleans' public parks.New Orleans Today

A New Orleans recreation worker, Derrick Clark, was suspended and demoted for fudging time sheets and failing to address maintenance issues at several parks he supervised. The New Orleans Civil Service Commission ruled that the 42-day unpaid suspension was too harsh, and instead Clark will receive only a 5-day suspension and be reimbursed for the remaining 37 days.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing issues with the management and upkeep of New Orleans' public parks and playgrounds, which have faced problems with neglect, homelessness, and lack of resources according to the city's recreation department. The Civil Service Commission's decision also raises questions about disciplinary practices and consistency within the city's recreation department.

The details

Clark was in charge of playgrounds in Mid-City, Hollygrove, Gert Town and the Freret neighborhood. NORD accused him of neglecting issues like graffiti, squatting, and other problems at several playgrounds under his supervision. Clark also asked other employees to alter his timesheets to make it appear he was present at work when he was not. While the Civil Service Commission agreed that Clark was responsible for the maintenance issues, they found the 42-day suspension too severe, especially since NORD failed to issue any prior formal discipline.

  • In June 2024, Clark was suspended as a district manager.
  • In September 2025, Clark was demoted to a site facilitator.
  • On April 8, 2026, the Civil Service Commission ruled to reduce Clark's suspension to 5 days and order backpay for the remaining 37 days.

The players

Derrick Clark

A former district manager for the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) who was suspended and demoted for neglecting maintenance issues at several parks under his supervision and asking other employees to alter his timesheets.

Larry Barabino Jr.

The CEO of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD).

Helena Moreno

The mayor of New Orleans who recently signed an executive order to create a 'NORDC Reform Task Force' to study consolidating NORD's workforce and explore ways to bolster its fundraising.

New Orleans Civil Service Commission

The commission that sets rules and hears disciplinary appeals for city workers in New Orleans, which ruled that the 42-day suspension for Derrick Clark was too harsh.

NORD

The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, the city agency responsible for managing public parks and playgrounds.

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What’s next

NORD CEO Larry Barabino Jr. said the department is reviewing the Civil Service Commission's decision and could potentially appeal the reduced suspension for Derrick Clark.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges facing New Orleans' public parks and playgrounds, including issues with maintenance, homelessness, and disciplinary practices within the city's recreation department. The Civil Service Commission's decision to shorten Clark's suspension raises questions about consistency in how NORD handles employee discipline.