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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Neighbors say an Uptown park has been taken over by groups of young people who are not there to play games.

Locals say over the last few months, Evans Playground has been deteriorating – with more fighting, more trash and more graffiti.

WGNO reached out to the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, the NOPD and the Mayor’s Office about how these issues can be addressed. A statement was received from the NOPD.

Here is what they had to say:

There were no incidents at the park’s address reported to the Second District last Wednesday or in the month of July.  Officers will continue to patrol Evan’s Park and take appropriate and necessary action when violations are observed.  The NOPD encourages citizens to call 911 if and when they see someone breaking the law.  

NOPD

NORD also releasing a statement about the park saying:

“Evans Playground is monitored regularly and cleaned twice a week by NORD staff. 
NORD was notified about graffiti at Evans Playground the last week of June 2021. The facilities and maintenance team were able to prime the site immediately, but due to weather conditions have not been able to complete the repainting process. We hope to have the repainting process completed in the upcoming weeks. 

NORD

NORD does not condone any acts of violence or crime on or around its parks, playgrounds, or facilities. Residents are encouraged to contact local police to report any such acts. The safety of our residents is a top priority, and we will continue to work with NOPD and the community to address crime at our facilities.”

Reporter Anna McAllister has more on the story from the corner of LaSalle and Soniat in the video above from WGNO News at 5 p.m.