The mission of the NORD Commission is to advance the physical, mental, and social well-being of New Orleanians by providing safe and welcoming environments for recreational, athletic, and cultural experiences. The Commission is charged with planning, supervising, and conducting a comprehensive and coordinated program of cultural and physical recreation; promoting cooperative planning with public and private entities concerned with recreation; managing, maintaining, and operating recreational facilities owned or operated by the City of New Orleans; and performing other related duties as may be provided by ordinance of the City Council. NORD has earned national accreditation, making Orleans the second parish in Louisiana - and one of under 200 agencies across the U.S. out of more than 12,000 - with this stamp of excellence.

With a 14 million dollar annual budget, NORD provides a wide range of sports, health, aquatics, day care, and fitness programs for residents and visitors of all ages. NORD manages senior services, therapeutic recreation, youth camps, teen development and athletic programs in over 120 facilities city-wide. The Commission promotes cooperative planning with public and private entities concerned with recreation.