Mayor Ballard and sponsors break ground on Tamika Catchings Court at Thatcher Park
Published on May 28, 2013 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Indiana Fever News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - (May 28, 2013) The Indianapolis Parks Foundation (IPF) announced today that the City of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) and Pacers Foundation on behalf of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, have committed $1.1 million to build, renovate or upgrade outdoor basketball courts in parks throughout Marion County.
This public-private partnership, over the next five years, will support half of the outdoor basketball court improvements needed throughout the parks system. Improvements will begin this year at Lentz, Olin, Parcel 15 and Thatcher parks.
"The City of Indianapolis is grateful for IPL, the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever's continued support of our city parks through the Indianapolis Parks Foundation," said Mayor Ballard. "This public-private partnership is a testament to our ability to work together to achieve a better quality of life for our community."
The announcement came as IPL, Pacers Foundation and city leaders broke ground at the Tamika Catchings Court, which will be installed this summer at Thatcher Park, located on the city's west side. Catchings is starting forward for the Indiana Fever, 2012 WNBA Champions, Olympic gold medalist and founder of Catch the Stars Foundation.
"Indy is a great place to live, work and play and I am truly grateful that IPL, Pacers, Fever and Indy Parks have chosen to name this court in my honor," said Catchings. "This court will serve as a tool for Catch the Stars Foundation programs which are geared to empower youth in Indy Parks and the community by promoting literacy, fitness and mentoring."
Since 2002, IPL has generously supported the Indianapolis Parks Foundation as the presenting sponsor of the IPL Mayor's Lunch for Parks which has raised more than $1 million to support the mission of the Parks Foundation. On Wednesday, June 12, more than 300 IPL employees will participate in the 3rd Annual IPL Day in the Parks. Volunteers will spend the day working to improve and beautify Thatcher, Krannert, Gustafson, Rev. Mozel Sanders, Olin, Denver and Watkins Parks.
"IPL is committed to community service and improving the quality of life in our community through beautification efforts," said Kelly Huntington, Senior Vice President and CFO of IPL. "As one of the most frequently used amenities in parks, outdoor basketball courts encourage healthy lifestyles, deter crime and offer an alternative for our at-risk youth and young adults."
"The Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever are great representatives of Indiana's game, and are proud to partner in this initiative to improve basketball courts across the city," said Rick Fuson, Pacers Foundation chair and Chief Operating Officer of Pacers Spots & Entertainment. "The core purposes of this organization are winning championships and serving community, so we are pleased to invest in our parks, our community and our youth."
The Indianapolis Parks Foundation is committed to improving more outdoor basketball courts in need of renovation. To become a partner or make a donation email LHazlett@indyparksfoundation.org
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from May 28, 2013
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- New York Liberty Tip-Off Their Home Schedule Friday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. on MSG+ - New York Liberty
- Mayor Ballard and sponsors break ground on Tamika Catchings Court at Thatcher Park - Indiana Fever
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
