(FILA North America) - The Durham Parks Foundation, Durham Parks and Recreation and Durham City Council Member Charlie Reece joined Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Grant Hill and FILA North America President Jennifer Estabrook to unveil three newly refurbished basketball courts at Hillside Park in Durham, North Carolina. FILA and The Tamia & Grant Hill Foundation, in partnership with the Durham Parks Foundation, have come together to subsidize the project. During a special ceremony at Hillside Park, kids from the community were on-hand to inaugurate the new courts and meet the NBA legend.
Grant has embraced the responsibility that comes with being a role model and he continues to inspire the next generation with his on-court accomplishments and his off-court endeavors. His impact has extended beyond the game, striving to improve the community with his ongoing commitment to helping others. As part of the celebration, Hill also received a key to the city where he spent his storied college basketball career with the Duke Blue Devils.
“The City of Durham has played a vital role in my life and it is truly special to launch this program here and give back to a community that has meant so much to me,” said Grant Hill. “I have always been passionate about setting the right example and motivating youth. I have so many fond memories from my time at Duke, and I am thankful to the City of Durham and FILA for the opportunity to offer these kids a place to grow, excel, stay active, and enjoy the game.”
Hillside Park has played an important role in the history of Durham. On the opposite end of the park sits the W. D. Hill Recreation Center, the site of the historic Algonquin Tennis Club, which will soon be recognized with a North Carolina Historic marker. The Algonquin Tennis Club served as the childhood training site of another sports icon, Arthur Ashe.
Grant and FILA have helped to transform and revitalize the park with the fusion of sport and art. The refurbishment has improved the quality of three courts, offering a clean and safe environment for visitors. The updates included court resurfacing, new backboards, and renewed fencing and landscaping. To create a fun and inviting space for the youth of the community, the design highlights the City of Durham flag and its red, white, blue and yellow hues; the Grant Hill Foundation logo appears at center court, with additional Hill and FILA branding featured throughout. Local artist Sarahlaine Calva added her colorful perspective, with vibrant, custom artwork that decorates the middle court.
“We are grateful to Grant and FILA for helping to revitalize the courts at Hillside Park, a historic part of our city,” said Charlie Reece, Durham City Council Member. “Grant is beloved in our community and his positive attitude and dedication to giving back is a continued source of inspiration. It is a privilege to have Grant join us today as we unveil this new project. We encourage our community to ‘Play More’ and these courts will elevate the activities that take place here.”
The second court refurbishment will take place in Detroit, Michigan in June, as a nod to the city where Hill spent much of his professional basketball career.
# # #
About The Tamia & Grant Hill Foundation
The Tamia & Grant Hill Foundation is located in Orlando, Florida. Since 2000, the foundation has provided funding to charities, schools, scholarships, non-profit organizations, and churches. The majority of their grants and donations support children’s and educational charities.
About Durham Parks Foundation
Durham Parks Foundation is an independent non-profit organization. Our mission is to preserve, strengthen and expand parks, trails, open space and recreational opportunities in Durham through diverse community involvement, fundraising, partnerships and education. Visit us online and like us on Facebook. Call 919-560-4355 for more information.
About Durham Parks and Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to Play More by connecting our whole community to wellness, the outdoors, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Durham Parks and Recreation, visit us online, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or call (919) 560-4355.
Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to Play More by connecting our whole community to wellness, the outdoors, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Durham Parks and Recreation, visit us online, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or call (919) 560-4355.
About FILA
Over the last half century, FILA has been there for iconic moments, accompanying extraordinary individuals in pursuit of true sport – those who courageously challenge limits and defy expectations through a seamless combination of power and grace. From its humble textile beginnings in Biella, Italy in 1911 to its historic introduction of color on the tennis court in 1973, the brand has always taken pride in creating designs as bold and breathtaking as its wearers. With a philosophy of innovation and a commitment to performance and sophistication, FILA continues to make a statement with styles that are novel in aesthetic and effective in function. Visit www.FILA.com to see the full collection of apparel and footwear.