Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 1:00PM
2 Darwin Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
TAKOMA PARK, MD—M-NCPPC, Montgomery Parks and The Steve Francis Foundation will host a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony
followed by a community celebration for the newly renovated Takoma-Piney Branch Local Park on Sunday, June 3, 2012, at 1:00 p.m.
WHAT:
Takoma Park native and Former NBA All-Star Steve Francis will join Montgomery Parks Director Mary Bradford, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and City of Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams for a special community celebration to open the newly renovated Takoma-Piney Branch Local Park. Mr. Francis’ Foundation, carrying out its mission to provide educational and recreational opportunities for at-risk youth, has donated $70,000 for major improvements to the park including:
- A refurbished basketball court featuring a color-coated surface and six new basketball goals, enabling half-court play;
- Two new playgrounds;
- A new skateboard park,
- A new picnic pavilion; and
- “Takoma Trees,”—sculptures at both entrances to the park, created by local artist Judy Sutton Moore, with support from the Montgomery County Arts and Humanities Council
The new basketball courts will be dedicated to Mr. Anthony Langley, Francis’ former coach and long-time president of the Takoma Park Boys and Girls Club; the new picnic pavilion will be dedicated to Mrs. Brenda Wilson Bryant, in honor of Steve Francis’ late mother; and in appreciation of Steve Francis’ donation Montgomery Parks will paint his signature on the surface of the basketball court.
The community celebration will open with remarks from elected officials, community leaders, Steve Francis, and several of his friends and family members who have played important roles in his life. The speaking portion of the event will be followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony, demos and safety tips in the new skateboard park, and basketball.
Distinguished guests include:
- Calvin Avant, Pastor, Unity in the Family Ministry
- Casey Anderson, M-NCPPC Commissioner
- Phil Andrews, Montgomery County Councilmember, District 3
- Mary R. Bradford, M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks Director
- Tiffany Bryant, Steve Francis’ sister
- Francoise Carrier, M-NCPPC Montgomery Planning Board Chair
- Steve Francis, Donor and Former NBA All-Star
- Shelby Francis, Steve Francis’ wife
- Seth Grimes, Takoma Park City Council Member, Ward 1
- Sheila Hixson, Maryland State Delegate, District 20
- Anthony Langley, Long-time President of the Takoma Park Boys & Girls Club
- Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Executive
- Fred Schultz, Takoma Park City Council Member, Ward 6
- Terry Seamens, Takoma Park City Council Member, Ward 4
- Bruce Williams, Takoma Park City Mayor
WHEN:
Sunday, June 3, 2012*
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Remarks at 1:15 p.m.)
*Rain date: June 16
WHERE:
Takoma-Piney Branch Local Park
2 Darwin Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20910
*When possible, walking or public transportation is recommended as parking is limited.