NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Parks and Parkways Department has partnered with KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit organization that envisions great places to play within walking distance of every child in America. They came together last week to announce that a playground is coming to Joe Brown Park.

Ann Macdonald, director of Parks and Parkways, greeted me at the event, and I met KaBOOM! members Keith Bleichmer, chief landscape architect; Christine Feller, project design manager; Alison Risso, director of communications; Joe Demile, Gulf Coast liaison; and Nell Frisbiem.

There were children there too, and Risson told them they will help design the playground. She asked them to share their ideas as to how they would keep the playground clean. We heard rules such as play safe, no eating in the play area, no littering and take turns.